The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) confirmed Saturday that the Trump administration is exploring a plan to introduce 50-year mortgage terms, a move that could dramatically reshape home affordability for Americans.
FHFA Director Bill Pulte took to X to announce, “Thanks to President Trump, we are indeed working on The 50-Year Mortgage – a complete game changer.” The announcement follows a post by former President Trump on Truth Social earlier in the day, in which he compared himself to Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose administration established the 30-year mortgage standard during the New Deal to help citizens recover from the Great Depression.
Trump has long campaigned on expanding affordability for younger homebuyers, though the issue has gained urgency as home prices and interest rates remain high. According to Redfin, the median U.S. household now spends roughly 38.4 percent of its monthly income on mortgage payments.
Interest in mortgage assistance is climbing: Google searches for “help with mortgage” have hit their highest level since 2009. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have also surged, accounting for 10 percent of mortgage applications in September, the highest level in nearly two years, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
In addition to the 50-year mortgage proposal, Trump has hinted at plans to take mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public, potentially as early as the end of 2025. The two enterprises, originally created by Congress to stabilize the housing market, remained privately funded until the 2008 financial crisis. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are doing very well, throwing off a lot of CASH, and the time would seem to be right. Stay tuned.”
Pulte, whose agency regulates both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, confirmed last month that Trump is “opportunistically evaluating” the public offering as part of his broader housing initiatives.
The FHFA director is also known for his enforcement actions, including recent scrutiny of New York Attorney General Letitia James, highlighting the agency’s dual role in both regulatory oversight and policy implementation.
As homeownership affordability continues to challenge Americans, the administration’s moves on long-term mortgages and potential public offerings could have lasting impacts on the housing market.
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