Confrontation Over Government Shutdown Remarks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a tense exchange with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday concerning remarks made during a previous government shutdown in 1995, when Republicans were labeled “terrorists.”
On the latest episode of “This Week,” Stephanopoulos pressed Bessent about the Trump administration’s strategies to resolve the current government shutdown. In response, Bessent pointed out Stephanopoulos’s past involvement in similar situations while serving as an adviser to former President Bill Clinton.
“Look, this is the best approach,” Bessent stated. “You were deep into these issues in the ’90s, and yet you called Republicans terrorists, saying they were responsible for the shutdown. What we really need now is for five courageous, moderate Democratic senators to break ranks and help reopen the government. It’s currently 52-3, and that’s what can make a difference, George.”
Stephanopoulos responded that he didn’t quite agree with that historical perspective, adding a touch of irony: “But we’re not in a history class right now.”
Bessent, undeterred, interjected, “George, if you want, I can line up all your quotes right here. Here they are.” It was a moment highlighting the tension in their discussion.
Stephanopoulos reiterated his question, asserting that Bessent’s portrayal was a “misrepresentation of history.”
In a 2000 PBS interview, Stephanopoulos had shared concerns about the blame game over the late 1995 and early 1996 government shutdowns, emphasizing that the Democratic strategy focused on blaming Republicans for “blackmailing the country.”
“Our approach was straightforward,” he recalled. “We couldn’t back down. We had to assert that they were blackmailing the nation for their agenda. They were willing to risk a government shutdown and debt default for tax cuts, cutting essential services just to get their way. We tried to frame them as basically terrorists, and it resonated,” he explained.
At that time, Republicans were in Congressional control, led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Fox News Digital has sought comment from ABC News regarding the exchange.
