Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed criticism over his administration’s consideration of 50-year mortgage terms, framing the proposal as a practical measure to ease monthly payments and improve housing affordability amid soaring home prices.
“All it means is you pay less per month. You pay it over a longer period of time. It’s not like a big factor — it might help a little bit,” Trump said during an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” Monday night. He blamed high borrowing costs on “failed Biden-era policies” and the Federal Reserve’s handling of interest rates.
The remarks follow confirmation from U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte that the agency is “working on” a 50-year mortgage option, potentially expanding the range of federally backed long-term loans. Pulte described the concept as “a complete game-changer” for first-time homebuyers struggling under record prices.
Conservatives Cry Foul Over “Lifetime Mortgages”
Despite White House enthusiasm, the idea has drawn sharp criticism from right-wing conservatives and members of Trump’s own base.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called the proposal “in debt forever, in debt for life!,” while activist Mike Cernovich derided it as “lifetime mortgages.”
Critics argue that extending loans over five decades would delay homeownership, inflate total interest costs, and slow equity gains, effectively keeping families in long-term debt.
Economists have also expressed skepticism. “It’s not clear how much this could lower monthly payments without knowing what the rates will be,” said Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin. “The real solution lies in fixing the supply side of the market — building more homes and lowering construction costs.”
White House Says Goal Is Affordability
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the FHFA, Treasury, and other agencies are “working together to implement the president’s housing agenda,” emphasizing that policy announcements will come directly from the administration.
Trump’s economic advisers have pointed to housing as a priority issue, noting that home prices remain nearly 60% above pre-pandemic levels, and that the median age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38, compared to the late 20s in the 1980s.
Trump may issue an executive order on housing affordability in the coming weeks, according to officials briefed on the plan.
Market Impact and Industry Outlook
Financial analysts at TD Securities cautioned that a 50-year mortgage “could take at least a year to materialize” and would only be effective “if accompanied by a corresponding increase in housing supply.” Otherwise, they warned, such loans could drive up demand and push prices higher, making homes even less affordable.
Market analysts said the move could benefit mortgage lenders such as United Wholesale Mortgage (UWMC), Rocket Companies (RKT), and Ellington Financial (EFC), while raising new questions about long-term financial risk.
As the debate continues, Trump remains firm: “We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had. The fake polls don’t matter — people want to own homes, and we’re going to help them do that.”