Introduces Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and asks about new FinCEN whistleblower program.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Explains new whistleblower program targeting fraud in government programs, citing examples from Minneapolis.
Asks about Kevin Warsh Fed confirmation and DOJ investigation into Fed construction project.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Says hearings for Warsh will proceed; criticizes Fed's 'magic money' and $100B annual losses from bond purchases.
Asks about potential narrowing of metal tariffs and trade with China.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Defers to President on tariffs; emphasizes de-risking, not decoupling, from China and bringing back factory jobs.
Questions why public mood is glum despite strong jobs report (170K private sector jobs, 4.3% unemployment).
Joe
Scott Bessent
Attributes gloom to aftermath of Biden's 'crashed economy' with 21.5% cumulative inflation; predicts 2026 will be a 'banquet' with real wage growth.
Asks about CBO deficit projections and whether growth is underestimated.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Dismisses CBO static scoring; highlights deficit-to-GDP falling from 6.97% to 5.4% due to spending constraint and growth.
Asks about AI-driven growth potential and whether Fed has leeway to cut rates.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Predicts inflation could return to Fed's 2% target by mid-year; argues growth isn't inherently inflationary if supply increases.
Asks what needs to happen for Americans to feel better economically and improve Republican election chances.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Points to falling energy prices and real wage growth; cites broad stock market indices (equal-weighted S&P, small caps, cyclicals, regional banks) doing well as signal for Main Street.
Asks about political civility and ending the filibuster.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Advocates ending filibuster for voter integrity and to avoid government shutdowns, calling Democrats 'bad actors'.
Asks about crypto volatility and legislation.
Joe
Scott Bessent
Notes Bitcoin's history of ~58% sell-offs; urges passage of 'Clarity Bill' for market comfort, warning Democrats could block progress.