WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has said on social media that he is directing the federal government to buy USD 200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move he said would help reduce mortgage rates at a time when Americans are worried about home prices.

Trump and the White House have been trying to show they are responding to voter concerns about affordability ahead of midterm elections in November.

Trump last month said he planned to unveil housing reforms — and on Wednesday he said he wants to block institutional investors from buying houses. (AP)