ADVERTISEMENT

Samantha Bee torches President's treasury secretary nominee, known as the 'foreclosure king'

In fact, the company is being investigated by the government for potentially illegal home foreclosure practices.

null
ADVERTISEMENT

Bee questioned the veracity of the president-elect's promise to "drain the swamp" in government, given that Mnuchin is one of five Goldman Sachs alums to be chosen for a Trump cabinet position.

"Trump was lying," the host said. "As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your friends that you called your enemies when you were saying any f---ing thing to get elected closer."

The confirmation hearings for Mnuchin, who Bee said looks like "Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver's evil twin, begin on Thursday, so the host thought she should introduce the man to her viewers. In addition to Goldman Sachs, Mnuchin bankrolled several big movies, including "Avatar" and "Suicide Squad," which Bee said is also her nickname for "working class people who voted for Trump."

ADVERTISEMENT

Unlike most Americans, Mnuchin made a great deal of money from the "great recession of 2008" after founding OneWest Bank (formerly IndyMac Bank) and Financial Freedom, which provided reverse mortgages and allegedly preyed on retired Americans. In fact, the company is being investigated by the government for potentially illegal home foreclosure practices.

"That's how Mnuchin earned the nickname 'Foreclosure King,' not to be confused with the cheapest bed at the Mattress Warehouse," Bee joked.

Mnuchin's bank is reportedly responsible for more than one-third of all reverse mortgage foreclosures. Reverse mortgages suspend payments for people over the age of 62 until their death. Their families must then take over the mortgages or the homes are foreclosed. They're referred to as "widow foreclosures" as many of the victims are women who typically outlive their husbands.

"What do they do to you in jail when they find out you're a widow forecloser?" Bee said. "Oh, right, nothing, because you don't go to jail. You just sell the company, take a $380 million profit, and get promoted to treasury secretary."

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws

From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws

Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president

Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president

10 countries in Africa with the worst press freedom in 2024

10 countries in Africa with the worst press freedom in 2024

FCMB Group sustains growth momentum, profit rises 192.6% in Q1 2024

FCMB Group sustains growth momentum, profit rises 192.6% in Q1 2024

DBNC 2024 impacts, sets the pace for entrepreneurs

DBNC 2024 impacts, sets the pace for entrepreneurs

Navigating success: Insights from a leading IT expert

Navigating success: Insights from a leading IT expert

US and French governments are lobbying Nigeria to host their military bases - report

US and French governments are lobbying Nigeria to host their military bases - report

Russian aid arrives in Niger amid growing bilateral ties

Russian aid arrives in Niger amid growing bilateral ties

Kentucky Derby betting sites 2024: Where to bet on the races online

Kentucky Derby betting sites 2024: Where to bet on the races online

ADVERTISEMENT