Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stood firm against the New York Times during the DealBook Summit, where he faced off with columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin. In a setting that many anticipated would be dominated by the paper’s narrative, Bessent turned the tables and launched a critical analysis of the Times’ reporting. With palpable confidence, he labeled the publication’s work as a “fever swamp,” indicating a deep distrust in its portrayal of President Trump and a blatant neglect of President Biden’s troubling decline.
As Sorkin attempted to frame the discussion with a question about the concept of a “new normal,” Bessent seized the opportunity to express his firm disbelief. He stated, “I can tell you that I actually don’t read The New York Times anymore,” underscoring his disillusionment with the outlet. Bessent’s remarks weren’t just anecdotal; they struck at the heart of what many see as a troubling trend in journalism—one that favors sensationalism over facts.
Bessent took aim at a recent article from the Times that suggested Trump was “slowing down” and that aides were concerned about his “capacity.” He replied with skepticism about its credibility, saying, “It is 100 percent fake.” This energetic dismissal not only challenged the integrity of the Times’ reporting but also illustrated a broader concern with how narratives are constructed and disseminated in the media.
The Treasury Secretary didn’t shy away from drawing attention to Biden’s declining capabilities, which he argued the Times had neglected. Bessent posed a provocative question about the Biden administration’s frequency of Cabinet meetings, pointing out how his experiences with President Trump were starkly different. “I see President Trump more in a day than my predecessor saw Joe Biden in half a year,” he asserted. This statement highlighted the stark discrepancy in leadership visibility between the two men, suggesting a betrayal by mainstream media in its obligation to inform the public.
Bessent’s criticisms extended beyond the Times; he also defended Trump’s economic policies, particularly the administration’s use of tariffs. He demonstrated a willingness to adapt his views over time, stating, “I’ve had an open mind, and I’ve evolved on this, and the president has been right.” He countered the assertion that tariffs contribute to inflation, pointing to evidence that red states, where Trump’s policies have been embraced, are experiencing lower inflation rates compared to blue states.
The Treasury Secretary’s performance at the summit served as a reminder of the disconnect that can exist between political leadership and media portrayal. Bessent transformed what could have been a hostile interview environment into a platform for an all-out critique of journalistic integrity. As he wrapped up his remarks, it was evident that he had come prepared with facts and a clear mandate to set the record straight. The encounter is likely to resonate long after the summit, raising questions about media accountability in covering both sides of the political spectrum.
In essence, Bessent’s boldness and clarity painted a picture of an administration willing to face challenges head-on while holding major media outlets accountable for their narratives. He presented an alternative vision that emphasized results over rhetoric, strongly advocating for what he believed is the truth in the current political landscape.
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