Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) unloaded his frustrations on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a heated exchange during his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee.
“Stop covering for the president! Don’t be a flunky, work for the American people! Work for the American people, don’t be a cover-up for a mob!” Meeks yelled at Bessent, who took it with a grin.
The two leaders spoke over each other during the House hearing on financial stability. Meeks pressed Bessent on a United Arab Emirates-tied investment, reported by The Wall Street Journal, in a company run by members of President Donald Trump’s family.
“I just want to know whether you will commit today to pause, and heighten the scrutiny of any bank charter or licensing application at the [Office of the Comptroller of the Currency] connected to the World Liberty Financial until all of these conflicts of interest and foreign influence reviews are completed and shared with the United States Congress,” Meeks asked Bessent.
Bessent responded, despite the congressman’s interruptions, with reports that Meeks had traveled to Venezuela to meet with Hugo Chavez’s administration.
“No, congressman, the OCC is an independent entity, and I would not. Congressman, in 2006, you traveled to Venezuela to lobby Hugo Chavez on behalf of your donor,” Bessent said amid the cross-talk.
This is where the interaction became more heated, as Meeks began to scold Bessent to “work for the American people.” The two talked over each other for the remainder of the interaction.
“I’m asking you to do your responsibility as secretary of the Treasury,” Meeks said, as committee Chairman Rep. French Hill (R-AR) interjected.
“He’s the one that went past the time, Mr. Chairman; he did not answer my question,” Meeks said.
“The OCC is an independent agency,” Bessent then said.
“Stop covering for the President! Stop being his flunky!” Meeks retorted.
“Your 2006 trip to Venezuela…” Bessent continued.
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“Stop covering for the president! Don’t be a flunky, work for the American people!” Meeks said.
Bessent’s hearing lasted over an hour, as he discussed topics including the Federal Reserve’s independence and the Treasury Department’s “Trump accounts.” Bessent also talked over Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) in a separate exchange.