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Scott Bessent

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Bessent Concedes Bond Market Defiance After Yield Spike
economy2 days ago

Bessent Concedes Bond Market Defiance After Yield Spike

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has softened his stance on bond markets after his aggressive rhetoric failed to curb rising yields. Following a sharp sell-off where 10-year yields jumped nearly 50 basis points, Bessent admitted in a recent interview that he cannot control the bond market, a notable shift from his earlier declaration that 'I am the house now.' This concession follows the 10-year yield reaching its highest level since 2007, despite Treasury buybacks and verbal pressure. While Bessent now emphasizes that he 'trusts the process' and that 'you win over time,' investors remain unnerved by a $40 trillion national debt and inflation driven by the ongoing Iran war. The Federal Reserve has raised rates to 4% to combat inflation, directly contradicting the administration’s desire for lower borrowing costs, while global central banks, including the ECB and Bank of Japan, are also tightening policy.

Treasury Secretary Bessent Faces Public Outburst After Protesters Disrupt Washington Dinner
politics2 days ago

Treasury Secretary Bessent Faces Public Outburst After Protesters Disrupt Washington Dinner

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent experienced a visible emotional breakdown after activists from CodePink confronted him during a dinner at a high-end restaurant in Washington, D.C., in December 2025. The incident, recently detailed in a new report, involved protesters heckling the official and encouraging other diners to participate in a mock toast. This event highlights ongoing tensions between administration figures and public demonstrators, occurring shortly after Bessent declined a potential role as AI czar to remain at the Treasury.

Treasury Blocks $175M in Payments to Deceased in FY2026
politics3 days ago

Treasury Blocks $175M in Payments to Deceased in FY2026

The U.S. Treasury Department blocked $175 million in federal payments to deceased individuals in fiscal year 2026, a significant increase from the $99 million identified earlier in the year. This expansion of the 'Do Not Pay' program, which screened over 1.1 billion payments totaling $3.7 trillion, reflects the Trump administration's broader push to eliminate fraud and waste. The initiative, supported by new legislation signed in February 2026, now covers 99% of federal programs, up from 4% in the previous fiscal year.

Bessent Concedes Bond Market Defied 'I Am the House' Warning
markets4 days ago

Bessent Concedes Bond Market Defied 'I Am the House' Warning

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has softened his stance on U.S. bond markets after his previous aggressive rhetoric failed to curb rising yields. In a recent Axios interview, Bessent admitted he cannot control the bond market, a notable shift from his earlier declaration that 'I am the house now.' This concession follows a sharp sell-off in U.S. government bonds, where 10-year yields jumped nearly 50 basis points. While Bessent previously challenged investors to bet against him, he now emphasizes that he 'trusts the process' and that in bond markets, 'you win over time.' The shift in tone reflects the reality that the Treasury's attempts to suppress yields through buybacks and verbal pressure have not prevented the 10-year yield from reaching its highest level since 2007.

Bessent Dismisses AI Safety Warnings as 'Hannibal Lecter' Tactics
technology-and-policy5 days ago

Bessent Dismisses AI Safety Warnings as 'Hannibal Lecter' Tactics

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized AI executives for demanding government regulation while simultaneously warning of existential risks, comparing their stance to a serial killer begging to be locked up. He argued that companies should self-regulate rather than seek federal oversight, a view aligned with President Trump's rejection of new AI rules. This stance contrasts with warnings from leaders at Anthropic and OpenAI who advocate for slowing development to ensure safety.

Bessent Dismisses AI Bubble Fears Amid Record Yields and Market Resilience
economy6 days ago

Bessent Dismisses AI Bubble Fears Amid Record Yields and Market Resilience

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly downplayed concerns regarding rising bond yields and the potential for an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble. This stance contrasts with recent market data showing a 30% surge in 10-year Treasury yields, which has coincided with record highs for the S&P 500. While broad market indicators show weakness in small-cap and utility sectors, large-cap technology stocks continue to drive overall market strength. Bessent’s comments suggest a confidence in the current economic trajectory despite warnings from analysts about valuation risks and tightening monetary conditions.

Treasury Auto-Enrolls 60M Kids in Trump Accounts, but Claiming $1,000 Seed Money Still Requires Action
economy7 days ago

Treasury Auto-Enrolls 60M Kids in Trump Accounts, but Claiming $1,000 Seed Money Still Requires Action

The U.S. Treasury Department has automatically enrolled more than 60 million children in Trump Accounts, a tax-deferred investment program. While this massive expansion aims to boost participation, parents must still manually claim the accounts via an app to receive a $1,000 federal seed contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028.

Bessent Warns Iran Faces Economic Collapse as Final Oil Shipments to China Conclude
world-news11 days ago

Bessent Warns Iran Faces Economic Collapse as Final Oil Shipments to China Conclude

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on September 27 that Iran’s economy will have 'nothing to trade' within two weeks after its final oil deliveries to China. He cited the US blockade and 'Operation Economic Outcast' as key drivers of this collapse, arguing that Tehran’s desperation will force it to accept stricter terms in future negotiations.

Bessent Hires Former Jefferies Strategist David Zervos as Treasury Counselor
politics11 days ago

Bessent Hires Former Jefferies Strategist David Zervos as Treasury Counselor

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has appointed David Zervos, former chief market strategist at Jefferies, as a counselor in the department. The hire, which does not require Senate confirmation, aims to bolster Treasury’s strategy amid rising bond yields and AI-driven capital spending. Zervos, a former Federal Reserve official, supports Bessent’s recent bond buyback initiatives and advocates for lower interest rates. His appointment follows a period of staff turnover at the Treasury, where seven confirmed appointees departed by mid-August 2026. Zervos will serve as a special government employee until April 2027, allowing him to avoid certain divestiture requirements while providing immediate advisory support on economic policy.

Trump Rules Out Bessent for New AI Czar Role Amid Regulatory Clash
politics13 days ago

Trump Rules Out Bessent for New AI Czar Role Amid Regulatory Clash

President Trump has rejected reports that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will become the next AI czar, stating on Truth Social that Bessent is staying at the Treasury. The administration is seeking a new leader for its 'AI Force' to replace David Sacks, with candidates including Sriram Krishnan and Michael Kratsios. This decision occurs as OpenAI and Anthropic urge global regulation, while lawmakers push for stricter US oversight of frontier AI labs.

Bessent’s Bond Market Gambit Fails as Global Central Banks Defy White House
economy14 days ago

Bessent’s Bond Market Gambit Fails as Global Central Banks Defy White House

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s aggressive attempts to suppress U.S. bond yields have failed, with the 10-year Treasury yield hitting its highest level since 2007. Despite Bessent’s declaration that 'I am the house now,' investors remain unnerved by a $40 trillion national debt and inflation driven by the ongoing Iran war. While the Treasury increased bond buybacks to $6 billion, the Federal Reserve raised rates to 4% to combat inflation, directly contradicting the administration’s desire for lower borrowing costs. Global central banks, including the ECB and Bank of Japan, are also tightening policy, leaving Bessent unable to control market outcomes or prevent rising mortgage rates.

politics14 days ago

Trump rejects Bessent for AI czar role amid 'super intelligence' rebrand

President Donald Trump has ruled out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the next AI czar, contradicting recent rumors. While Bessent remains a key figure in AI policy, the administration is simultaneously pushing to rename the technology 'super intelligence' in official documents, a move that clashes with existing technical definitions and safety concerns.

Trump Rules Out Bessent for AI Czar Role Amid 'Super Intelligence' Rebrand Push

Trump Rules Out Bessent for AI Czar Role Amid 'Super Intelligence' Rebrand Push

President Trump confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not serve as the new AI czar, citing Bessent's preference to remain at Treasury. This follows reports that Bessent was a leading candidate. Simultaneously, Trump is pushing to rebrand 'artificial intelligence' as 'super intelligence,' a move that clashes with existing technical definitions and safety concerns in the tech industry.

Democrats mock Trump's AI rebrand as Bessent emerges as frontrunner for new AI czar role
politics15 days ago

Democrats mock Trump's AI rebrand as Bessent emerges as frontrunner for new AI czar role

US Democrats are aggressively criticizing President Trump's push to rebrand AI as 'super intelligence' and his plan to appoint an 'AI czar,' while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emerged as a leading candidate for the new position. The administration is simultaneously engaging in high-level AI talks with China at the UN, despite Trump's rejection of global oversight.