Treasury Nominee Scott Bessent Leaves Dem Senator Stammering: 'You Gave It to Me in Your Office, And I Did Read It'
When it comes to Senate rhetoric, few exemplify excessive grandstanding as reliably as Democrat Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
In the aftermath of losing both the White House and Senate majority, Democrats have been relegated to what can only be described as a sideline commentary, aiming to derail the confirmation process of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet with personal attacks, smear campaigns, and displays of indignation.
However, none of these strategies have yielded meaningful results. During Thursday’s confirmation hearing for Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, Whitehouse attempted to interject a tone of condescension into his questioning, only to have it backfire.
The Rhode Island senator used his time to lecture Bessent on the potential risks of a real estate market crash, citing a report from the Senate Budget Committee on home insurance figures. He then pivoted to a more pointed directive:
“I would actually ask you, personally, to read this Economist magazine article. I don’t think it’s complicated…” Whitehouse began, only to be cut off by Bessent.
“Senator Whitehouse, you gave it to me in your office, and I did read it,” Bessent responded with a smile. “I will point out to my children behind me: doing your homework’s important.”
Caught off guard, Whitehouse scrambled to recover, responding with an awkward acknowledgment: “Thank you for doing that. I think you’re the first person in the nominations here who’s actually done the reading that has been proposed…” He then stumbled through a follow-up, invoking an Ernest Hemingway reference and, predictably, “climate change.”
The exchange illustrated a broader point. Whitehouse wasn’t genuinely interested in probing Bessent’s qualifications for leading the Treasury Department. Instead, his aim was to stage a political ambush. Unfortunately for him, Bessent came prepared.
This isn’t the first time Whitehouse has miscalculated in such hearings. He previously attempted to corner Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, only to end up humiliated. He has also been a prominent voice in the Democratic campaign against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, both of whom remain firmly seated and poised to be succeeded by conservative justices if and when the time comes.
As a member of influential Senate committees such as Judiciary and Budget, Whitehouse holds considerable power even in the minority. However, his approach underscores the broader failures of the Democratic resistance strategy.
Despite their efforts, Democrats have been unable to block key Trump nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, and now Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary.
With Republicans holding a 53-seat majority in the Senate, Democrats face an uphill battle in obstructing Trump’s cabinet or agenda. Grandstanding, as exemplified by Whitehouse’s ill-fated exchange with Bessent, only serves to highlight the challenges of their position.
For all their efforts, Democrats’ attempts to rewrite the outcome of the 2024 election through obstructive tactics are falling flat. Instead of impeding Trump’s momentum, these theatrics are making their own party appear increasingly ineffective.