Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Gives Commencement Speech at Brunswick School

Commencement Address by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at Brunswick School

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered a commencement address at Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, on Wednesday. He shared personal insights, mentioning that his son is an alumnus of the school.

During his speech, he reflected on the importance of fostering resilience and character in young people. Bessent raised a thought-provoking question: “Could it be that our boys’ lack of exposure to adversity might be their greatest challenge?” He emphasized that, in affluent communities like Brunswick and Greenwich, this lack of hard-won experience can hinder personal growth.

Bessent acknowledged that while the Class of 2026 may come from privilege, they aren’t exempt from facing difficulties. He pointed out that they were born during the global financial crisis and matured amid the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside individual struggles unique to each student leading up to graduation.

He referenced a well-known saying by Teddy Roosevelt, who recognized the dangers of inaction during his tenure as assistant secretary of the Navy, stating, “Warships are not built to rot in port.” He highlighted that Roosevelt’s full commentary on embracing challenges was expressed in 1899 when he spoke about the virtues of “the hard life.”

Bessent praised Brunswick School for its unwavering commitment to wrestling, describing it as a victory born from toil and risk.

Amidst his remarks, Bessent expressed his motivation for joining President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, citing concerns over the nation’s future. He shared, “I began to worry about the direction of our republic.” He mentioned engaging with various world leaders in the past ten days, underscoring the whirlwind nature of his recent experiences and the significance of shaping the country’s future for the next generation.

He encouraged the graduates to be mindful of their choices, noting that they would face moments where the easy or convenient path might seem appealing. Bessent urged them to remember that the world needs more than just “timid pacifists.” He called for bold individuals who, like Washington in challenging times, have the courage and determination to pursue what truly matters.