Trump Treasury Pick Scott Bessent to Face Grilling
New York TimesJAN 22
Trump Treasury Pick Bessent Questioned by Senate
Above: Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary nominee for US Pres.-elect Donald Trump, during a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on Jan. 16, 2025. Image copyright: Al Drago/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Bessent represents a sophisticated financial expert who can implement pro-growth policies, extend crucial tax cuts, and use tariffs strategically to protect American interests. With Bessent in the fold, the Trump administration will create a new economic golden age that benefits all Americans.
Democratic narrative
The nominee's policy positions primarily benefit the wealthy through tax cuts, while he opposes minimum wage increases for working Americans. Bessent represents an economic vision that favors Wall Street over Main Street and he should not be confirmed.