'We know what their hobby is': Bessent's baby-boom joke leaves Watters in stitches on Fox News
WASHINGTON, DC: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had Fox News' Jesse Watters laughing on Tuesday, July 14, after a conversation about President Donald Trump's plan to help American children build wealth took a very unexpected turn.
While discussing the administration's push to encourage Americans to have children, Bessent began listing several high-profile Trump officials who have recently welcomed or are preparing to welcome babies.
Watters quickly noticed a pattern. Bessent's punchline was even more direct.
🚨 LMFAO! WATTERS: We want people to have babies during the Trump administration
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 15, 2026
SCOTT BESSENT: Exactly. The Vice President has done it. Karoline Leavitt. Stephen Miller.
WATTERS: You guys are very busy!
BESSENT: We know what their hobby is! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/O8sw3bUlgS
Scott Bessent leaves Jesse Watters in splits
The exchange unfolded during an episode of Fox News' 'Jesse Watters Primetime' as Bessent gave Watters a tour of the Treasury Department and discussed the administration's new Trump Accounts initiative.
Watters said the Trump administration wants Americans to have more children. "Exactly," Bessent replied.
He then pointed to several members of the Trump administration and its wider political circle.
"The vice president has done it. Karoline Leavitt. Stephen Miller," Bessent said. Watters immediately jumped in.
"You guys are very busy!" he joked. Bessent responded, "We know what their hobby is!"
The joke came as the pair discussed the administration's broader focus on American families and the financial future of children.
Bessent's comments referenced several well-known figures in the Trump administration.
Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie, announced the arrival of their fourth child last month. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and her husband welcomed a daughter on May 1.
Fox News’ Jesse Watters: “Does the president ever say, ‘ Mr. Bessent, I’d like to take some things from the Treasury Department and bring them to the White House?’
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) July 15, 2026
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “Well, in the Roosevelt Room there is a beautiful painting of Alexander Hamilton… pic.twitter.com/eb7rVWAT0C
Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, are also expecting their fourth child later this month.
Scott Bessent says Trump 'always' wins
The playful tone continued during the Treasury Department tour when Watters asked Bessent whether Trump ever requests items from the Treasury to take back to the White House.
Bessent recalled a painting of Alexander Hamilton that had once been outside his office but was later moved to the Roosevelt Room. "Used to be..." Watters teased.
Bessent then explained that Trump had sent over beautiful gold gilding for his office, joking that the exchange was "not exactly a fair trade." Watters quipped that Trump "usually comes out on top."
Bessent quickly corrected him. "Not usually, ALWAYS!" he declared.
During the episode, Bessent opened up on Trump Accounts and intended benefits for Americans.
The Trump Accounts plan was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill and is designed to give American children an early start in investing.
Under the scheme, children born between 2025 and 2028 can receive a $1,000 contribution at birth.
The money is placed into an investment account and is expected to grow through stock market investments managed by private firms.
Children will generally not be able to access the funds until they turn 18. Even then, the money is intended for specific uses, including education and buying a home.
