Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has quickly become one of the Trump administration’s most effective communicators, and his performance on ABC’s This Week proved exactly why. While some in the media were eager to frame the Minnesota CBP shooting as another political weapon against President Trump, Bessent refused to play along and instead brought facts and common sense to the conversation. A rare sight on Sunday television.
Bessent has recently gained national attention for his sharp exchanges with potential Democrat presidential hopefuls, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom he memorably mocked on the world stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, Bessent ridiculed Newsom’s grasp of economics and even compared him to a cartoon character, proving that humor and truth can coexist when dealing with political theater.
On Sunday, Bessent stayed just as composed and direct when questioned about the fatal CBP shooting in Minnesota that left one protester dead. Instead of repeating media talking points, he emphasized personal responsibility and the dangerous environment created when protests turn into confrontations with armed individuals present.
Bessent made clear that any loss of life is tragic, but he also pointed out that the situation involved an individual who brought a loaded firearm to what was supposed to be a protest. He challenged the idea that this should be ignored, noting that bringing a weapon into such a volatile situation increases the risk for everyone involved.
Rather than blaming federal agents, Bessent highlighted how local leadership and political rhetoric have contributed to unrest and confusion. He stressed that coordination and cooperation between state and federal authorities are what prevent chaos — not political grandstanding or emotional media narratives.
His message was simple: federal officers are operating in difficult conditions, and pretending that personal choices and political obstruction have nothing to do with the outcome is dishonest. In a media environment that often rushes to judgment, Bessent instead called for facts, accountability, and calm leadership.
In the end, Bessent didn’t just defend the administration — he reminded Americans that law and order, responsibility, and cooperation still matter. And while the media may chase outrage, the Trump administration continues to focus on stability, enforcement of the law, and keeping communities safe. That’s how you move a country forward.
