Treasury Secretary Bessent Rips Into Mike Pence.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ripped into former Vice President Mike Pence during a recent interview. While outlining President Donald J. Trump’s tariff plan, Bessent hit back at Pence’s criticisms of using the trade levies.

Bessent detailed President Trump’s tariff strategy, aiming to motivate businesses to relocate manufacturing to the United States: “Mike Pence came out and said, ‘Secretary Bessent doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ I would tell the former vice president that ‘let them eat flat screens’ is not an economic policy,’” Bessent said.

“People want to have good jobs, they want to own a home, they want to have dignity, they want to enjoy work, they want their communities to be sound, and we want affordability, but bringing in a bunch of baubles and trinkets to satisfy people who are displaced isn’t the American dream,” he insisted.

Conducted at the Treasury Department, the interview delved into the reasons behind Trump’s tariffs. Bessent compared Trump’s tactics to “tough love,” crediting them for prompting Germany to increase its military spending, for instance. He also argued that tariffs are a means to counteract the decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs, which he attributes to the “China shock” of 2004.

Bessent explained that Trump’s tariff policy offers a financial advantage for companies relocating production to the U.S., potentially boosting government revenue. He highlighted the need for permanent tax cuts, deregulation, and affordable energy as crucial components for revitalizing American manufacturing.

Bessent noted an increased interest from international investors in the U.S. market since Trump’s election, viewing it as an attractive environment for business. So far, President Trump has announced or enacted tariffs on goods from China, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and several others.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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