President Trump privately opposed a Senate housing bill he had previously backed, primarily over a provision forcing institutional owners to sell single-family build-to-rent homes after seven years. He nearly posted criticism publicly but held off while aides pursue a compromise to win House GOP support. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate in March but faces opposition and complex negotiations in the House, and it is tied to other legislative fights, including a crypto bill where Sen. John Kennedy holds leverage.
Trump Privately Challenged Senate Housing Bill Over Build-to-Rent Divestment Provision
President Donald Trump privately voiced objections to a Senate-approved housing package his administration had previously supported and came close to publicly criticizing it late last week.
Why He Objected
According to two people granted anonymity to describe private discussions, Trump nearly posted a social media message opposing a key provision of the bill that would require institutional owners of single-family homes built as long-term rentals to divest those properties after seven years. Ultimately, he chose not to publish the post while aides sought a compromise.
Political Stakes
Trump’s reservations complicate fragile negotiations over what proponents hope will be the most significant housing legislation to move through Congress in years. Senate leaders have urged the House to accept the Senate bill as written to avoid reopening negotiations and consuming scarce floor time. But the president’s dissent could embolden House members who want amendments.
White House Response
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the president’s broader priorities: "President Trump has been laser-focused on making housing more affordable. The President will not stop fighting until the American Dream of homeownership is within reach for every American, which is why he continues to sign bold new executive orders and calls on Congress to pass further legislation." The statement did not mention the Senate bill specifically, which the White House had previously supported.
Provisions and Opposition
The contentious provision was added in response to the president’s demand to curb Wall Street’s role in the housing market by restricting institutional investors from acquiring single-family homes. Supporters argue that requiring divestment of build-to-rent properties after several years would free up homes for families. Critics in the housing industry contend the rule has frozen capital and discouraged construction of such properties.
Legislative Maneuvering
The Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in March with bipartisan backing, but the bill has stalled in the House, where lawmakers want to incorporate additional priorities. Trump agreed to hold off on public criticism while White House staff work to find an arrangement that might win over Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the package is stalled and said White House involvement is likely needed to resolve the impasse.
House Financial Services Chair French Hill and ranking member Maxine Waters have been collaborating on bipartisan amendments intended to return the package to the Senate. Pending White House sign-off, that House language could come up for a floor vote when lawmakers return in May. House Republicans have also considered adding portions of their housing proposal to the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Related Negotiations
The housing bill is entangled with other legislative priorities, including upcoming Senate consideration of major cryptocurrency legislation. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a potential swing vote on the crypto bill, has warned he may withhold support unless the House acts on the Senate housing package. That dynamic gives additional leverage to members holding out for changes.
Jordain Carney and Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
Help us improve.
