Headline: US Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses Trade Tensions, Tech Investments, and Fed Oversight

Scott Bessent has been back in the spotlight in recent days as he works to define the Trump administrations economic message while confronting political and legal storms around federal money.In an interview on the Sunday program Face the Nation, highlighted by Fox Business and WTHR, the Treasury Secretary said the United States is on track to finish the year with roughly three percent real gross domestic product growth, despite a turbulent year marked by new tariffs, a government shutdown, and shifts in immigration policy. He pointed to strong consumer spending during the holiday season and noted that several quarters have already shown around four percent growth. At the same time, he acknowledged what he called an affordability problem, arguing that inflation has come down from its peak but many families still feel squeezed by higher prices.According to Fox Business, Bessent defended the administrations record by saying that real incomes are up slightly and that the goal for next year is to move from affordability concerns toward renewed prosperity. He repeated his claim that the Biden administration was responsible for the worst inflation in fifty years for working Americans, while insisting that current policy has helped pull inflation down from its previous highs.Bessent has also been drawn into a politically charged fraud scandal in Minnesota. The National News Desk reports that he used his Face the Nation appearance to detail a Treasury Department investigation into more than one billion dollars in alleged pandemic era and state level fraud, including the Feeding Our Future case that prosecutors have called one of the largest pandemic frauds in United States history. Bessent said Treasury is tracking whether diverted funds were sent overseas to the Middle East and Somalia, and whether any of that money may have reached terrorist organizations.His comments sparked a sharp exchange with Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar. According to coverage from The National News Desk, Bessent accused Omar of gaslighting the American people about the seriousness of the allegations. Omar responded that if stolen funds were tied to terrorism, that would represent a failure of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not her own conduct, and noted that her campaign has returned donations from individuals charged in the Feeding Our Future case. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, has opened its own inquiry into how state officials handled whistleblower warnings.Together, these developments show Bessent trying to balance a confident economic narrative with an aggressive posture on financial enforcement and political accountability.Thank you for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

9 Dec 2min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent continues to establish himself as the defining economic figure of the Trump administration, making headlines across multiple fronts this week.On Sunday, Bessent appeared on CBS News Face the Nation where he predicted the United States will finish 2025 with three percent real GDP growth despite economic headwinds from tariffs and immigration policy changes. He noted that the economy has performed better than expected, with the country seeing four percent GDP growth in a couple of quarters. This projection comes despite a rocky start to the year that saw a contraction in the first quarter, followed by a strong rebound in the second quarter.When pressed about inflation concerns and polling showing Americans disapprove of the administration's handling of the economy, Bessent acknowledged that affordability remains a challenge. However, he separated the issue into two components, pointing out that while inflation occurred during the Biden administration, real incomes have risen about one percent. He indicated the administration plans to move toward prosperity in the coming year.Bessent also used his Sunday appearance to discuss a significant fraud investigation involving Minnesota. He revealed that the Treasury Department is investigating whether taxpayer money connected to massive fraud schemes totaling over one billion dollars may have been funneled to terrorist organizations linked to Somalia. Bessent stated that tracked money has gone overseas to both the Middle East and Somalia. This escalated into a public clash with Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who pushed back on suggestions of terrorism connections, arguing that any such linkage would be the responsibility of the FBI rather than the Treasury Department.The fraud investigation, which dates back to 2022, includes nearly three hundred million dollars stolen from the nonprofit organization Feeding Our Future. Omar acknowledged that people involved in the scheme had donated to her campaign but stated those donations have been returned.Beyond these recent comments, Bessent has solidified his position as perhaps the most influential economic figure in Trump's circle. His background as a hedge fund manager and former chief investment officer at Soros Fund Management has given him credibility both on Wall Street and within the administration. He has played significant roles in managing tariff announcements, stabilizing Treasury markets, and shaping broader economic policy direction.Thank you for tuning in to this economic update. Be sure to subscribe for more coverage of Treasury Department activities and economic policy decisions. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

9 Dec 2min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been at the center of several significant policy announcements and economic debates over the past week. On December 1st, Bessent announced that the Treasury Department would be opening an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's oversight of state social programs that have been impacted by fraud. Federal prosecutors have charged dozens of people with defrauding Minnesota social programs since 2020, with recent reporting highlighting connections to the Somali American community. This investigation marks a major federal response to what officials are calling a massive scandal.Bessent has also been heavily involved in defending the Trump administration's tariff agenda. He insists that Trump's tariff plan is permanent, claiming the White House can recreate it even if the Supreme Court rules against the administration. The tariff dispute centers on whether President Trump has the legal authority to impose duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a 1977 law that does not explicitly mention tariffs. Bessent has argued that tariffs are not taxes, a position that contradicts most economists and major dictionaries including Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam Webster.Since baseline tariffs took effect in April, economic data has shown troubling trends. Hiring has slowed, unemployment has increased, manufacturing activity has declined, and inflation has accelerated each month. Consumer sentiment has plunged to record lows, with the University of Michigan Index averaging only 57.6 in 2025, the lowest annual average in history. Despite these headwinds, the stock market has advanced 17 percent this year, though economists warn of potential volatility.The average tariff rate has climbed to 16.8 percent on US imports, up from 2.5 percent last year, representing the highest level in 90 years. Bessent argued that tariffs are good for labor and will bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States to strengthen national security. However, economic data suggests the opposite effect has occurred.If the Supreme Court determines the president exceeded his authority under IEEPA, roughly 90 billion dollars in tariff revenue collected in fiscal 2025 would need to be repaid. This could force the government to borrow money by issuing Treasury bonds, potentially driving up interest rates and impacting the stock market negatively. The Supreme Court heard arguments in November and is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks.Thank you for tuning in. Please remember to subscribe for more updates on Treasury Department policy and economic news. This has been a quiet please production. For more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

7 Dec 2min

Scott Bessent has quickly become one of the most visible figures in the Trump administration as Secretary of the Treasury, and the last few days have highlighted the scale of the economic and political battles he is leading.According to Fortune, Bessent is aggressively defending President Donald Trumps sweeping tariff program as a permanent feature of United States economic policy, even as it faces a high stakes legal challenge at the Supreme Court. In recent remarks, he argued that the administration could simply redesign and reimpose its tariff structure using other legal authorities if the Court strikes down the current version that relies on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Fortune reports that Bessent has framed these tariffs as central to reshoring manufacturing and strengthening national security, insisting that they are good for American labor and warning that abandoning them would undercut working class gains.Nasdaq, summarizing the broader economic context, notes that since the baseline tariff took effect in April, hiring has slowed, unemployment has risen, inflation has accelerated, and consumer confidence has slid toward record lows. The article highlights that Bessent has pushed back on the widespread economic view that tariffs function as a tax on imports, recently saying that he does not believe tariffs are a tax, a statement that puts him at odds with most economists and standard dictionary definitions. Nasdaq also reports that Bessent has called a possible Supreme Court rejection of Trumps tariff authority a loss for the American people, even though many large companies are now suing to recover tens of billions of dollars in duties that might have been collected illegally.Beyond tariffs, Bessent has moved the Treasury into politically sensitive territory at home. The newsletter Tangle reports that on December first, he announced a new Treasury investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walzs oversight of state welfare programs following high profile fraud cases tied to federal funds. By opening this probe, Bessent has put the weight of the federal financial apparatus behind a case that blends questions of program integrity, immigration, and counterterrorism financing, intensifying scrutiny on how social funds are monitored and audited.These moves together show Bessent using the Treasury not only as an economic manager but as a central instrument in the administrations broader agenda on trade, law, and domestic governance. His decisions in the coming weeks, especially as the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs approaches, are likely to have significant consequences for markets, federal finances, and the political climate.Thank you for tuning in, and please remember to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

7 Dec 2min

Scott Bessent continues to shape Treasury policy as he navigates significant economic challenges facing the nation. Recent developments show the Treasury Secretary actively engaged in fiscal management and international economic coordination.In early December, Bessent has been focused on addressing inflation concerns and maintaining economic stability as the Federal Reserve continues its policy deliberations. The Treasury Department under his leadership has been monitoring financial markets closely, particularly given volatility in bond markets and shifting interest rate expectations. Bessent has emphasized the importance of sound fiscal policy while working to manage the nation's debt obligations.One key area of Bessent's attention involves international economic relations. He has maintained dialogue with counterparts from major economies to coordinate on financial stability issues. The Treasury under his direction continues to monitor global supply chains and their impact on American economic conditions. Bessent has also been engaged in discussions regarding trade relationships and tariff policies as the administration shapes its economic agenda.Domestically, the Treasury has been working on implementation of various tax and spending policies passed by Congress. Bessent has advocated for fiscal responsibility while acknowledging the need for strategic investments in infrastructure and economic growth. His team at Treasury has been analyzing economic data to provide recommendations to the President and Congress on pressing fiscal matters.The Secretary has also focused on financial regulation and banking stability following recent banking sector challenges. Treasury officials under Bessent have worked with the Federal Reserve and other regulatory agencies to ensure the soundness of the financial system. He has emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in American financial institutions both domestically and internationally.Bessent's background as a hedge fund manager and former Deputy National Security Advisor brings a unique perspective to Treasury operations. His experience in financial markets has informed his approach to economic policy during what remains a period of uncertainty for many Americans facing inflation and cost of living challenges.As listeners continue to follow economic developments, Bessent's leadership at Treasury will remain central to how the administration addresses ongoing fiscal challenges. Thank you for tuning in and please remember to subscribe for more updates on Treasury policy and economic news.This has been a Quiet Please production. For more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

4 Dec 2min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is making headlines this week with a significant investigation into potential fraud involving federal tax dollars in Minnesota. Bessent announced that his office is launching a probe to determine whether taxpayer money was diverted to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab under the Walz administration. In a post on X, Bessent stated that thanks to President Trump's leadership, they are acting fast to ensure Americans' taxes are not funding acts of global terror.The allegations stem from reports indicating that portions of money taken from Minnesota's Medicaid and social service programs were routed overseas to Somalia, where Al-Shabaab operates as an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed openness to an investigation if such a connection existed. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota has already charged dozens of defendants across multiple fraud schemes, including housing assistance fraud, pandemic child nutrition fraud, and false billing for autism therapy, with prosecutors estimating taxpayers have lost billions collectively.Beyond the Minnesota investigation, Bessent has also found himself addressing questions about President Trump's proposed tariff dividend. When Trump announced on social media that tariffs would generate enough revenue to pay at least two thousand dollars per person to Americans, Bessent appeared caught off guard. During an appearance on ABC's This Week, he indicated he had not discussed the dividend plan with Trump and suggested it might not result in direct government checks. Instead, he proposed the rebate could take the form of tax cuts. He later indicated the payments, if they occur, would target individuals and families making one hundred thousand dollars or less annually.Budget experts and policy analysts have expressed skepticism about the tariff dividend proposal, noting that the numbers do not add up mathematically. The Trump administration has faced criticism over similar proposals in the past, including the DOGE dividend checks tied to billionaire Elon Musk's proposed budget cuts. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently heard arguments questioning the legality of Trump's sweeping global tariffs, which place rates sometimes exceeding one hundred percent on goods from nearly every country.Bessent's tenure as Treasury Secretary is shaping up to involve significant financial oversight challenges, from investigating potential fraud schemes to managing expectations around controversial revenue proposals and defending the administration's trade policies.Thank you for tuning in and please remember to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please dot AI.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

2 Dec 2min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is launching a significant investigation into potential fraud involving Minnesota state tax dollars. The Treasury Department is examining whether funds from Minnesota's Medicaid and social service programs were diverted to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group operating in Somalia.Bessent announced the investigation through social media, stating that the administration is acting quickly to ensure American tax dollars are not funding acts of global terror. The allegations emerged from a report by the City Journal, which detailed how portions of money taken from Minnesota programs may have been routed overseas to Somalia, potentially connecting to Al-Shabaab operations.Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded to the investigation by telling Fox News Digital that he would be open to an investigation if there was any connection between Minnesota tax dollars and the terrorist organization. However, Walz has also characterized the focus on Somali Americans as unfair, pushing back against broader claims linking the Somali population to financial crimes.The investigation comes amid a broader crackdown on fraud in Minnesota. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota has already charged dozens of defendants across multiple schemes, including housing assistance fraud, pandemic child nutrition fraud, and millions of dollars in false billing for autism therapy services. Prosecutors estimate that taxpayers have lost billions of dollars through these various fraud schemes.President Donald Trump has made Minnesota's situation a focal point of recent criticism, specifically targeting the state's Somali population. Trump stated to reporters that Somalis have caused significant problems for the state and that tremendous amounts of money are being sent back to Somalia, questioning why the U.S. pays money to Somalia at all.This investigation represents one of Bessent's first major actions as Treasury Secretary, signaling a focus on preventing tax dollars from potentially funding terrorist organizations. The Treasury Department's involvement indicates the seriousness with which the administration is treating these allegations and the broader fraud concerns in Minnesota.Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe for the latest updates on Treasury Department actions and financial policy. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

2 Dec 2min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been making significant policy announcements over the past few days that reflect the Trump administration's priorities on immigration, financial system access, and economic support.On Friday, November 28th, Bessent announced a major crackdown on federal benefits for undocumented immigrants. The Treasury Department will issue proposed regulations to cut off refunded portions of several key tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Additional Child Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Saver's Match Credit for individuals in the country illegally. Bessent emphasized that these benefits should be preserved exclusively for United States citizens, stating that illegal aliens have no place in the American financial system. He also announced efforts to prevent undocumented immigrants from using financial institutions to move funds, calling such activity exploitation that will end.These announcements came in response to President Trump's Thanksgiving declaration to pause migration from third world countries and his promise to end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens. Trump cited census data indicating the United States hosts a foreign population of 53 million people.Beyond immigration policy, Bessent has been involved in broader economic initiatives. The Treasury Secretary has been leading the interview process for candidates to lead the Federal Reserve, with the president set to meet with finalists soon. Additionally, Bessent has announced plans to prioritize digital assets within the administration's financial policy framework.On the domestic front, Bessent has promoted proposed two thousand dollar tariff checks aimed at working families as part of the administration's affordability agenda. He has credited the president's deregulation and pro private sector policies for lowering inflation and raising real incomes. The administration has highlighted selective economic wins, including an eighty six percent drop in egg prices and nearly fourteen percent reduction in housing costs since Trump took office.The Treasury Secretary also played a central role in a controversial currency support package for Argentina. In September, Bessent publicly promised Argentina large and forceful American support, followed by Treasury announcements of a twenty billion dollar currency swap and subsequent additional support totaling up to forty billion dollars. These actions occurred as Argentina faced political challenges, with President Javier Milei's party trailing in elections. Trump explicitly tied the bailout to Argentina's electoral outcome, stating if Milei won, the United States would stay with him, otherwise they would be gone. After the October election, Milei's party won decisively, raising questions about the relationship between the financial support and electoral intervention.Thank you for tuning in. Please remember to subscribe for more updates on Treasury policy and economic news. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

30 Nov 3min