Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday lashed out at The Wall Street Journal over a report describing tension and high-level departures within his department, using unusually sharp language to dismiss the outlet's credibility.
In an interview with Fox News's Laura Ingraham on “The Ingraham Angle,” Bessent said the Journal has become “a shadow of its former self,” and took issue with comparisons to tabloid journalism. “I think it’s a disgrace for you to say that they’re like TMZ. TMZ does a good job of what they do,” he said, suggesting the Journal no longer meets even that standard.
The Journal published a report Monday detailing Bessent’s intense management style, which sources said has led to several key officials leaving the Treasury. Current and former staff described the secretary as quick to reprimand employees at all levels, often over minor issues. The report also cited a 2025 incident in which Bessent reportedly threw his daily briefing book against a wall in anger.
Bessent pushed back on the characterization, arguing the report relied on a small number of disgruntled voices. “There were two—the disgruntled employees… versus, like, the 28 who told them that I’m a great employer,” he said, adding that Treasury staff are dedicated and hardworking, “just like the American people.”
This is not the first time Bessent’s confrontational style has made headlines. In June, during a Senate hearing, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) asked whether Bessent had previously said he would punch Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. Bessent corrected the senator with a smile: “No sir, I actually said I was going to kick his a–.”
The latest exchange underscores ongoing friction between the Treasury chief and media coverage of his tenure, which has also included scrutiny of China’s nuclear assistance to Iran, a matter that undercuts some of Bessent’s public claims. Meanwhile, the administration has pursued aggressive economic policies, including auto-enrolling millions of children in Trump accounts, a move that has drawn both support and criticism.
The Wall Street Journal has not yet responded to requests for comment on Bessent’s remarks. The report itself highlighted broader concerns about morale and leadership within the Treasury, a department central to the administration’s tariff and fiscal agenda.
Bessent’s defenders argue his demanding standards are necessary for the high-stakes work of managing the U.S. economy, especially amid volatile markets. The yield on the 10-year Treasury recently hit its highest level since 2002, a development that has raised borrowing costs and added pressure on policymakers.
As the administration navigates these challenges, Bessent’s combative relationship with the press is likely to remain a flashpoint. His comments to Ingraham signal that he will not shy away from attacking outlets he views as unfair, even as he seeks to project stability and control over his department.
