Scott Bessent
Secretary of the Treasury
Cabinet
Score
58/100 · Moderate
Net worth
$700M+
Tenure
Secretary of the Treasury 2025-present
About
Scott Bessent is a macro hedge fund manager who founded Key Square Group after a long career at Soros Fund Management, where he served as Chief Investment Officer. He was one of Trump's top fundraisers in 2024, donating millions to his campaign before being nominated. Confirmed 68-29 in a rare bipartisan vote, he pledged to divest from his hedge fund and disclosed assets of at least $521 million. At his confirmation hearing, he defended Trump's tariff agenda while assuring senators the Federal Reserve would remain independent. Critics noted discrepancies between his personal tax filings and the policies of the department he was nominated to lead.
Donations & financial influence
| Category | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total raised (career) | N/A (appointed) | |
| Corporate total | N/A | |
| AIPAC / pro-Israel | N/A | |
| Oil & gas / fossil | N/A | |
| Pharma / healthcare | N/A | |
| Defense | N/A | |
| Wall Street / finance | N/A | |
| Big Tech | N/A |
Controversies & conflicts of interest
- $700M+ net worth from hedge fund, direct conflicts managing markets as Treasury Secretary
- Publicly disagreed with Trump on tariff severity before backing down
- First openly gay cabinet secretary confirmed by Senate
- Previously worked for George Soros, ironic given MAGA base's views on Soros
- Used leverage from Key Square positions while shaping Treasury policy