Trump Treasury Secretary Admits Shutdown Economy ‘Getting Worse and Worse’ in Tense Battle With Stephanopoulos

Scott Bessent — President Donald Trump’s Treasury Secretary — was candid in his assessment of the economy during the government shutdown, in a pitched battle with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.

In a tense discussion on ABC’s This Week, Stephanopoulos asked Bessent for a diagnosis of the economy — as the government shutdown enters its 40th day.

“Are we starting to see a permanent impact on the economy?” Stephanopoulos asked.

“Sure, George,” Bessent said. He added, “We’ve seen an impact on the economy from day one, but it’s getting worse and worse.” We had a fantastic economy under President Trump the past two quarters, and now there are estimates that the economic growth for this quarter could be cut by as much as half if the shutdown continues.”

After Bessent blamed Democrats for the shutdown, Stephanopoulos questioned Bessent on the prospect of nuking the filibuster — which Trump has been pushing repeatedly in recent days.

“The president continues to post about ending the filibuster,” Stephanopoulos said. “Is that the best way to end this shutdown right now? Is that what the administration position is?”

Bessent responded by turning up the temperature — referencing his time as a member of the Clinton administration in the 1990s.

“No, George, the best way to do it — and look, you were involved in a lot of these in the ’90s, and you basically called the Republicans terrorists — and you said that it is not the responsible party that keeps the government closed,” Bessent said. “And so what we need is five brave, moderate Democratic senators to cross the aisle.”

“I can disagree with you about the history there, but we don’t need to give a history lesson right now,” Stephanopoulos shot back.

But Bessent seemed determined to go down memory lane.

“I’ve got all your quotes here, George,” said Bessent.

“I’m sure you do,” Stephanopoulos fired back.

“I went back and read your book,” Bessent said. “So you got one purchase on Amazon this week. And that’s very much what you said.”

“It’s a mischaracterization of history,” Stephanopoulos said.

The ABC anchor tried to follow up on his original line of inquiry.

“Is the best way to end the shutdown right now to end the filibuster?” Stephanopoulos asked.

Again, Bessent would not echo Trump’s call to nuke the filibuster.

“The best way is for five Democratic senators to come across the aisle,” Bessent said.

Watch above, via ABC.