The editorial targets the Trump administration, urging a shift in the mortgage underwriting framework that currently forces lenders to use a tri-merge of three credit scores. It argues that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should allow lenders to base decisions on a single credit report, cutting unnecessary costs for borrowers.

The cost of a single credit report has surged roughly 400% since 2021, a figure that inflates borrowing expenses. Research from the American Enterprise Institute shows that each bureau’s score predicts default risk as well as the tri‑merge, suggesting that a simple rule—randomly selecting one bureau—could keep underwriting sound while trimming fees.

Proponents argue that letting lenders rely on a single bureau score would eliminate the bureaucratic overhead that drives up costs. A random‑selection rule would prevent gaming of the system, ensuring that credit decisions remain robust without the extra administrative burden that the tri‑merge imposes for borrowers.

Reforming the tri‑merge requirement could slash borrowing costs and make homeownership more attainable. By removing the outdated three‑score rule, regulators would curb the inflated price of credit reports and restore competition among lenders, directly benefiting consumers and stabilizing the mortgage market for the broader economy.