Treasury Secretary Bessent Defends Trump's Economic Record Amid Democratic Criticism
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered a robust defence of President Donald Trump's economic policies during a Sunday appearance on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, while simultaneously criticising Congressional Democrats for their opposition. In an interview with anchor Maria Bartiromo, Bessent asserted that Democrat lawmakers "can't compete on economic growth, because the president's plan is working," accusing them of preferring to "hoot and holler" rather than engage constructively.
Heated Exchanges on Capitol Hill
This commentary followed a week of contentious hearings on Capitol Hill, where Bessent faced intense scrutiny from Democratic members of both the House of Representatives and Senate. One particularly notable confrontation occurred with California Democrat Maxine Waters during a House Financial Services Committee hearing. As Bessent attempted to answer questions regarding the President's tariff policies, Waters interrupted, asking the committee chair, "Can you shut him up?" Bessent retorted sharply, "Can you maintain some level of dignity?"
Further clashes unfolded with Congressman Greg Meeks, another Democrat on the committee, who pressed Bessent on Trump's business dealings. Meeks specifically questioned a $500 million stake in Trump's cryptocurrency firm that was sold to a member of the Emirati royal family. When Bessent countered by inquiring about Meeks' own trips to Venezuela, the Congressman erupted, shouting, "Stop covering for the President. Don't be a flunky. Work for the American people. Don't be a cover-up for a mob."
Mockery and Dismissal of Democratic Concerns
Bessent also mocked a question from Representative Stephen Lynch, a Democrat from Massachusetts, concerning shuttered investigations into cryptocurrency firms. Lynch expressed frustration with Bessent's interruptions, stating, "Mister Chairman, the answers have to be responsive if we are going to have a serious hearing." Bessent dismissively replied, "Well, the questions have to be serious."
In the Senate, Democrat Elizabeth Warren challenged Bessent regarding Trump's Federal Reserve nominee, Kevin Warsh. Warren demanded, "Will you commit right here and now that Trump's Fed nominee, Kevin Warsh, will not be sued, will not be investigated by the Department of Justice if he doesn't cut interest rates exactly the way that Donald Trump wants?" Bessent responded by downplaying the issue, claiming Trump's earlier remark about suing Warsh "was a joke."
Economic Optimism and Statistical Defence
Returning to his Fox News segment, Bessent shifted focus to economic indicators, emphasising positive trends. He highlighted "what the stock market is telling us," predicting "very strong economic growth and very strong job gains and very strong real income growth." Bessent celebrated key statistics, including inflation at 2.1%, robust growth, record-high stock markets, and the lowest crime rate in over a century. These points formed the core of his argument that Trump's policies are delivering tangible benefits, contrasting with what he portrayed as Democratic obstructionism.
The series of hearings, held in Washington, D.C., underscored the deep partisan divisions surrounding economic policy and oversight. Bessent's combative style and unwavering defence of the administration reflect the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congressional Democrats as they navigate issues from cryptocurrency regulation to international trade.
