Treasury Secretary Downplays Past Conflict with Newly Appointed Intelligence Chief
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed concerns on Wednesday regarding his past spat with Bill Pruitt, the newly appointed acting intelligence secretary. This came as senators questioned him over a previous incident where he allegedly threatened Pruitt at a dinner party.
During a Treasury Department budget hearing, North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis pointedly asked Bessent if he had really told Pruitt he would “punch him in the face.” To this, Bessent responded humorously, “No, I actually said I was going to kick his ass.”
This exchange arose shortly after President Trump’s announcement that Pruitt, previously head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, would be assuming significant national security responsibilities. It rekindled scrutiny over their earlier reported discord.
Democrats React to Tensions
In September, Bessent had accused Pruitt of causing him harm and reportedly made a threat during that same dinner. However, when senators pressed him regarding Pruitt’s new role, Bessent stated that he had actually called Pruitt to congratulate him just the day before.
When asked about his feelings regarding Pruitt’s appointment, Bessent commented, “A lot of teams have arguments in the locker room, and they end up on the field.” He brushed off previous inquiries about physical altercations among cabinet members by mentioning a historical context, recalling how Treasury secretaries have sometimes had conflicts since the time of Alexander Hamilton.
President Trump’s Appointment
Trump selected Pruitt to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency following the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who left to care for her husband diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Pruitt will also continue as a board member of the FHFA and chair of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in his new capacities.
Earlier, in April 2025, Bessent made headlines for an alleged altercation with Elon Musk over the IRS leadership in the West Wing.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to Pruitt’s appointment, raising questions about his qualifications. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked that it seemed more a backroom deal favoring Trump than a decision made with national security in mind.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed this sentiment, questioning Pruitt’s national security experience, military background, and law enforcement credentials, emphasizing a lack of qualifications for such a critical position.
Commentary from the Treasury Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has been sought by various media outlets.
