Scott Bessent slams Dem govs as 'Grinches who stole Christmas' for blocking Trump's tax relief

Scott Bessent accused Colorado, New York, Illinois, and the District of Columbia of ‘political obstructionism’ for refusing to adopt federal tax cuts
UPDATED DEC 11, 2025
For millions of hardworking Americans,  Gov Kathy Hochul, Jared Polis and JB Pritzker are 'The Grinches Who Stole Christmas', claims Scott Bessent  (@SecScottBessent)
For millions of hardworking Americans, Gov Kathy Hochul, Jared Polis and JB Pritzker are 'The Grinches Who Stole Christmas', claims Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent)


WASHINGTON, DC: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a blistering attack on several Democrat-led states on Wednesday, December 10, accusing them of "deliberately blocking" their residents from accessing the benefits of President Donald Trump's tax overhaul.

In a statement addressing the implementation of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBBA), Bessent targeted Colorado, New York, Illinois, and the District of Columbia for refusing to adopt key provisions of the federal law.

Bessent characterized the refusal to conform to the federal tax changes as "a blatant act of political obstructionism" and a "direct assault on the very families and workers liberal politicians claim to champion."

"By denying their residents access to these important tax cuts, these governors and legislators are forcing hardworking Americans to shoulder higher state tax burdens," Bessent said.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 02: U.S. Treasury Scott Bessent arrives to the U.S. Capitol on April 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. Bessent met with Senate Republicans ahead of President Trump's announcement on a new round of tariffs. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Democrat-led states of blocking tax relief for their own residents (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Scott Bessent claims state inaction is 'robbing' residents of relief

The secretary argued that by not aligning state tax codes with the new federal standards, these jurisdictions are effectively nullifying the relief intended by the White House.

"Robbing them of the relief they deserve and exacerbating the financial squeeze on low- and middle-income households," Bessent added.

The OBBBA, which President Trump signed into law on July 4, includes several measures aimed at the working class.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 29: A United Parcel Service worker delivers packages on April 29, 2020 in New Y
The legislation includes popular provisions like 'No Tax on Tips' and 'No Tax on Overtime' for service workers (Getty Images)

Bessent highlighted specific components such as 'No Tax on Tips' for service-industry employees, "No Tax on Overtime," and a new tax deduction for seniors who rely on Social Security.

He described the legislation as "the most pro-worker, pro-family tax reform in a generation."

Federal government monitoring state resistance closely

The Treasury secretary issued a stern call to action for the holdout states, urging them "to immediately conform and stop punishing their citizens for partisan games."

"The American people voted for bold change, not bureaucratic roadblocks," Bessent asserted.

He claimed that the administration's vision is "clear: real relief for the forgotten men and women of America, certainty for businesses, and momentum for growth."

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media following a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on October 25, 2025 in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar.  (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media following a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on October 25, 2025, in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Bessent concluded with a warning that the federal government is monitoring the situation closely.

"We will not stand idly by as this obstructionism drags down the national recovery," he said. "This is about putting America first, starting with the families and workers who make our economy the envy of the world."

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