The president is suing his own administration for a private payday. Which of his appointees will oppose this outrageous cash grab?
Scott Bessent
Posted inEconomic Policy
More State (or Is It Just Trump?) Capitalism
Last year, financier Scott Bessent excoriated the Biden administration for its revival of industrial policy. Now as Trump’s Treasury secretary, he the government would be expanding investments in companies in crucial economic sectors.
Posted inEconomic Policy
How Scott Bessent Enables Oligarchy
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the government began cracking down on hidden transfers of wealth. The purpose was to prevent money laundering that might finance terrorism. Some of this was codified in the USA PATRIOT Act. After the financial collapse of 2008, other safeguards were added. All this strengthened the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement […]
Posted inTAP
Bessent’s Bizarre Bailout
Today on TAP: Argentina will get U.S. help despite its perverse economic policies, only because fellow economic pervert Trump and Argentina’s Milei are soulmates. It won’t work.
Posted inTAP
‘Trump Accounts’ Cannot Possibly Replace Social Security
Today on TAP: This is just another tax break for the rich.
Posted inTAP
Hijacking the Fed
Today on TAP: Trump may succeed in isolating Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell and taking over the Fed himself, but the result would crash the economy.
Posted inCivil Rights in America
Trump’s War on Gay, Lesbian, and Trans People
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is gay and married. Hello?
Posted inTAP
Trump’s China Charade
Today on TAP: It’s the usual script—create a crisis, then back off and claim victory.
Posted inEconomic Policy
We Can’t Count on Trump’s SEC to Tell Us If He Is Manipulating the Market
The Musk-damaged agency is unlikely to investigate whether Trump and his allies are profiting from advance knowledge about tariff changes or meme coin shenanigans.
Posted inEconomic Policy
The Permanent Tariff Damage
Trump tries to walk back his tariffs after supply chain collapse and threats of empty store shelves. But reversing course entirely may not be possible.