President Donald Trump has called on U.S. mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help “get Big Homebuilders going,” asserting—without providing evidence—that American builders are “sitting on 2 million empty lots, a record.” His remarks, posted on Sunday, have reignited debate over the housing market’s sluggish supply growth and the role of federal mortgage institutions in stimulating new home construction.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee over half of all U.S. home loans, have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. Despite efforts to reform and privatize them, both institutions continue to play a central role in stabilizing the housing market. Trump’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about transitioning these firms back to private ownership, an initiative he revisited during meetings with top banking executives in August.
The president’s call to action reflects growing frustration over America’s persistent housing shortage, driven by high construction costs, limited labor, and rising mortgage rates. While Trump suggested that large homebuilders possess a surplus of undeveloped land, industry analysts argue that supply chain issues, regulatory barriers, and financing constraints are more significant factors behind the slow pace of new housing developments.
Trump’s statement also highlights broader concerns about housing affordability and accessibility as demand for homes remains strong nationwide. Analysts are uncertain about what specific measures Trump expects Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to take but agree that expanding access to construction financing and easing bureaucratic red tape could spur much-needed development.
As policymakers and investors await more details, Trump’s remarks have once again placed America’s housing market—and the federal government’s role in it—at the forefront of economic debate.