Scott Bessent smirks as he proves CBS host’s inflation fears wrong: 'Numbers are the best in 4 years’

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back hard against CBS anchor Margaret Brennan’s earlier warnings about inflation
PUBLISHED JUN 2, 2025
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confidently brushed off previous concerns about soaring inflation (@treasurysecretaryscottbessent/X)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confidently brushed off previous concerns about soaring inflation (@treasurysecretaryscottbessent/X)

WASHINGTON, DC: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back hard against CBS anchor Margaret Brennan’s earlier warnings about inflation under President Donald Trump’s economic policies. 

In a sharp exchange in an appearance on 'Face the Nation Sunday' on June 1, Bessent dismissed months of skepticism over the administration’s tariffs and their impact on Americans' wallets, revisiting the same questions he had faced in earlier interviews.



 

Scott Bessent brushes off concerns over soaring inflation following Trump’s tariffs

During Sunday’s 'Face the Nation' interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confidently brushed off previous concerns about soaring inflation, delivering a pointed rebuttal to CBS anchor Margaret Brennan.

Bessent said with a smirk, directly challenging earlier forecasts, “Margaret, when we were here in March, you said there was going to be big inflation. There hasn't been any inflation," as per DailyMail.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 16: U.S. President Donald J. Trump speaks during a US-UAE Investment Forum alongside U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent (R) at Qasr al-Watan, presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, on May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Trump is on the fourth and final day of his visit to the Gulf to underscore the strategic partnership between the United States and regional allies including the UAE, focusing on security and economic collaboration. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald J Trump speaks during a US-UAE Investment Forum alongside US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent at Qasr al-Watan, presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, on May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  focusing on security and economic collaboration (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Bessent’s response came just days after the Labor Department reported that consumer prices had risen by only 2.3% year-over-year in April—down from 2.4% in March—marking the lowest inflation rate in over four years.

The figures stood in stark contrast to warnings from economists who had sounded the alarm when President Trump unveiled a wave of new tariffs just weeks earlier.

The Treasury Secretary’s demeanor reflected what many have called a political “victory lap,” as he used the favorable numbers to turn the tables on past criticisms.

Earlier in the year, Brennan had cited dire predictions from institutions like the Peterson Institute, which warned that Trump’s tariff strategy could lead to runaway inflation.

But Bessent dismissed those concerns with confidence: “Actually, the inflation numbers are the best in four years. So why don't we stop trying to say this could happen, and wait and see what does happen.”



 

Bessent remained composed as he dismissed concerns raised in a Wall Street Journal column by Republican strategist Karl Rove, which warned that Trump’s tariffs could hurt the GOP’s chances in the upcoming election.

Pointing to a report from the South China Morning Post, Bessent argued that Chinese exporters are now absorbing up to 66% of the tariff costs—significantly reducing the impact on American consumers.

He said, "What we are trying to do is to de-risk. We do not want to decouple, Margaret, but we do need to de-risk”

His comments signal a broader pivot in the Trump administration’s trade agenda.



 

“What China is doing is they are holding back products that are essential for the industrial supply chains of India, of Europe,” Bessent added. “That is not what a reliable partner does.”

When pressed on the dangers of deepening trade tensions, Bessent stood firm, showing no signs of backing down.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 02: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a copy of a 2025 National Trade Estimate Report as he speaks during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Touting the event as “Liberation Day”, Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs targeting goods imported to the U.S. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump holds up a copy of a 2025 National Trade Estimate Report as he speaks during a 'Make America Wealthy Again' trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Internet hails Scott Bessent’s 'better answer' to CBS host’s concerns over inflation

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s appearance on 'Face the Nation', where he confidently tackled inflation-related questions and defended Trump’s tariffs, has drawn praise online. One user shared, "Definitely the better answer."



 

The second commenter shared, "Lmao… Margaret thinks she could out smart Sec Bessent. She’s a fool."



 

Another commenter wrote, "I absolutely love Scott Bessent. Anytime he’s giving an interview, I have to watch. There’s an energy of trust and knowledge he emanates. He simplifies complex concepts and really knows his stuff."



 

An X user wrote, "The Secretary has the luxury of the facts being on his side. He isn't playing hypotheticals."



 

An individual dubbed, "This is gold!!!"



 

Another X user praised, "Scott Bessent is a man in a mission. Understand his mandate and executes without hesitation. He’s been very impressive so far! Stay the course."



 

A speaker agreed, "The truth is loud and clear." 



 

"Killed her softly 😂," a person quipped.



 

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

MORE STORIES

With the US nearing a government shutdown, Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video mocking Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries as desperate
8 hours ago
Trump revived his long-running clash with Jerome Powell by sharing a viral cartoon while demanding deeper rate cuts despite Fed independence
2 days ago
Supreme Court backs Trump’s move to freeze $4 billion in foreign aid, marking a major win for executive power
3 days ago
Pam Bondi also said the Justice Department was transferring inmates taken off death row under former President Joe Biden into maximum-security prisons
4 days ago
During a Wisconsin Senate immigration debate, the top Democrat lunged at chairman’s gavel, calling Republicans 'cowards' and questioning their faith
4 days ago
Donald Trump said UN officials 'ought to be ashamed,' adding he will send a letter to the Secretary General demanding an immediate investigation
5 days ago
JD Vance said that Democrats like Gavin Newsom and the left-wing media fuel violence by spreading lies about law enforcement
5 days ago
The display shows black-and-white presidential portraits in gold frames, but Joe Biden is replaced with an autopen signing his signature
5 days ago
The FBI confirmed the Dallas ICE shooting is a targeted assault after Joshua Jahn allegedly killed two detainees before turning the gun on himself
5 days ago
Local residents say they never want to see Lance Twiggs again, even as his dusty car and abandoned Amazon packages sit as reminders of the couple
6 days ago