Scott Bessent slams Democrat-led states for resisting Trump’s OBBBA tax relief measures

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.

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.

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."

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."