Scott Bessent's combative hearing results in tense stare-down with steaming lawmaker

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) had a stern response to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday during a congressional hearing after he attempted to dodge her question.Bessent was testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee when Chu directly asked him if he had the same thoughts as President Donald Trump, after he recently told reporters in interviews about the impact of the Iran war on Americans' cost of living that he wasn't concerned. Trump said, I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody. Do you agree with President Trump that you also do not care about Americans' financial situation? Chu asked.Bessent attempted to avoid the question altogether.Who was the president during World War I? Bessent asked in response.Chu sat silently for a moment, staring at him, and then responded.Can you — are you refusing to answer my question? Chu said.He repeated his question.Who was the president during World War I? Bessent asked.People started laughing in the room.I don't know but clearly, you are not answering my question, Chu said.Bessent continued to ask the same question.I'm clearly getting the idea that you do not want to answer, whether you agree with President Trump, that you do not care about Americans' financial situations, Chu said. President Trump does care about financial situations, Bessent said. Chu cut him off and said, Well, he actually says that he doesn't.CHU: Do you agree with President Trump that you also do not care about Americans' financial situation?BESSENT: Who was the president during World War 1?CHU: ... ... can you answer my question?BESSENT: Who was the president during World War 1? pic.twitter.com/9dGJ05LCuS— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2026