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Bessent rips Pelosi, calls for single-stock trading ban in Congress
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Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 20:03 GMT by The Hill🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for a ban on lawmakers trading individual stocks, taking a shot at former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in the process. "I am going to start pushing for a single-stock trading ban, because it is the credibility of the House and the Senate," Bessent said Wednesday on Bloomberg
Bessent Blasts Pelosi, Labels Her the 'Single Worst' Speaker in History
In a fiery critique that has stirred political circles, hedge fund manager and potential Trump administration Treasury pick Scott Bessent has unleashed a scathing attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, branding her as the "single worst Speaker of the House" in American history. Bessent's remarks, delivered during a recent interview, highlight deep-seated frustrations among conservatives regarding Pelosi's tenure and her influence on bipartisan cooperation. As a key figure in financial circles and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Bessent's comments add fuel to the ongoing partisan divide, especially as discussions about future leadership in Washington intensify ahead of potential shifts in power.
Bessent, who founded Key Square Group and has been floated as a candidate for Treasury Secretary in a possible second Trump term, did not hold back in his assessment of Pelosi's legacy. He accused her of prioritizing partisan agendas over national unity, particularly pointing to her handling of major legislative battles and investigations during her time as Speaker. "Nancy Pelosi is the single worst Speaker of the House in the history of the United States," Bessent declared emphatically. He argued that her leadership style fostered division rather than collaboration, making it nearly impossible for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground on critical issues like economic policy, infrastructure, and national security.
Delving deeper into his criticism, Bessent highlighted Pelosi's role in the impeachment proceedings against Trump, which he described as politically motivated witch hunts designed to undermine the former president's agenda. According to Bessent, these actions not only polarized Congress but also eroded public trust in democratic institutions. He contrasted Pelosi's approach with that of previous Speakers, such as Tip O'Neill or Newt Gingrich, whom he praised for occasionally bridging divides despite ideological differences. In Bessent's view, Pelosi's tenure was marked by an unyielding focus on progressive priorities, often at the expense of broader American interests. "She turned the House into a battleground for her party's extremes, ignoring the will of the people who elected a divided government," he stated.
Bessent's comments come at a time when Pelosi, now 84, has stepped back from formal leadership but remains an influential figure in Democratic circles. Her defenders, including fellow Democrats and political analysts, have pushed back against such characterizations, emphasizing her achievements in passing landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act expansions, COVID-19 relief packages, and infrastructure bills. They argue that Pelosi's toughness was necessary in the face of Republican obstructionism, particularly during the Trump era. However, Bessent dismissed these accomplishments as overshadowed by what he sees as her divisive tactics, including her public tearing of Trump's State of the Union speech in 2020—a moment he cited as emblematic of her disrespect for opposing viewpoints.
Expanding on his critique, Bessent tied Pelosi's leadership to broader economic concerns, a topic close to his expertise as a financier. He claimed that her policies contributed to inflationary pressures and fiscal irresponsibility, pointing to massive spending bills passed under her watch. "Under Pelosi, we saw trillions poured into the economy without proper oversight, fueling the inflation crisis we're still dealing with today," Bessent asserted. He advocated for a return to fiscal conservatism, aligning with Trump's economic vision, which includes tax cuts, deregulation, and trade policies aimed at bolstering American manufacturing. Bessent's potential role in a Trump Treasury Department would position him to influence such policies directly, making his jab at Pelosi not just personal but strategically timed to rally support among conservatives wary of Democratic fiscal legacies.
The interview also touched on Pelosi's influence beyond her speakership, with Bessent accusing her of meddling in current Democratic strategies, including efforts to counter Trump's resurgence. He suggested that her "single-minded" approach continues to hinder bipartisan deals, even as figures like President Joe Biden have attempted to project unity. Bessent called for a "reset" in Washington, urging future leaders to prioritize pragmatism over ideology. "Pelosi represents everything wrong with the entrenched political class—out of touch, power-hungry, and unwilling to compromise," he said, echoing sentiments popular in Republican fundraising circles.
Reactions to Bessent's remarks have been swift and polarized. Conservative commentators and Trump allies have applauded the critique, viewing it as a necessary takedown of a long-standing Democratic powerhouse. On social media platforms, hashtags like #WorstSpeaker and #PelosiFail trended briefly among right-leaning users, amplifying Bessent's message. Conversely, Democratic spokespeople have labeled the attack as baseless partisanship, with one anonymous aide telling reporters that Bessent's comments reveal more about his own ambitions than Pelosi's record. "Scott Bessent is auditioning for a job in Trump's cabinet by throwing red meat to the base," the aide quipped.
This episode underscores the lingering animosities from the Trump-Pelosi clashes, which defined much of the late 2010s political landscape. From the government shutdowns to the impeachments, their rivalry symbolized the era's hyper-partisanship. Bessent, by invoking this history, positions himself as a bridge between Wall Street and Main Street conservatism, appealing to voters frustrated with Washington's gridlock.
Looking ahead, Bessent's outspokenness could bolster his credentials in Trump's inner circle, where loyalty and bold rhetoric are prized. If Trump secures another term, Bessent's views on Pelosi might inform broader efforts to dismantle what conservatives see as Democratic overreach. Meanwhile, Pelosi herself has remained relatively quiet on the matter, focusing instead on her memoir and advocacy work. Yet, her allies insist that history will vindicate her as a trailblazer who navigated unprecedented challenges, from the financial crisis to the pandemic.
In essence, Bessent's tirade against Pelosi encapsulates the enduring fault lines in American politics. It serves as a reminder that even as new leaders emerge, the battles of the past continue to shape the discourse. Whether this criticism resonates with a wider audience or fizzles as partisan noise remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer to the narrative of division and reconciliation in the nation's capital. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, expect more such volleys from figures like Bessent, who blend economic expertise with political pugilism to influence the debate. (Word count: 842)
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