Scott Bessent leans into reported scuffles with Trump officials, cites Hamilton

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has leaned on his reputation as a behind-the-scenes agitator, crediting his more famous predecessor with setting the “precedent.”

On Thursday’s show of the “Ruthless” podcast, Bessent was confronted about the fact that he was “breaking some heads” within the Trump administration.

“You might be the only cabinet secretary to record a few knockouts during your tenure,” laughed co-host Josh Holmes.

“Well, Treasury secretaries – Alexander Hamilton – there is precedent,” Bessent replied with a smile.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessett addressed his fiery reputation behind the scenes, calling his predecessor, Alexander Hamilton, setting a “precedent” during his appearance on the “Ruthless” podcast. (Markus Schreiber/AP Photo)

“Apparently you win your fights,” co-host Comfortably Smug added.

“Yeah, yeah. Exactly,” Bessent agreed before continuing.

Hamilton fought a duel with then-Vice President Aaron Burr, fatally shooting the Treasury Secretary.

Last year, Bessent was reportedly involved in multiple confrontations with other Trump administration officials, including Elon Musk, whom President Donald Trump selected to lead the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE). The two men allegedly engaged in an altercation that escalated into physical shoving during a dispute over who should be named head of the IRS.

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There was reportedly a physical altercation at the White House between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Getty Images)

Bessent also allegedly clashed with federal housing chief Bill Pulte, telling him “I’m going to punch you in the face” and suggesting he take things “outside so he can” beat you.

The Treasury secretary also doubled down on his war of words with California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, who made headlines for bringing knee pads to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, alluding to a gay sex joke that others would kneel to Trump.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, including bringing Trump-style knee pads to the forum. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Bessent, who is gay, turned the joke on the governor.

“He brought all these knee pads with him — I don’t know, mayor of San Francisco, who knows,” Bessent joked to the “Ruthless” co-hosts.

Catch the latest from “Ruthless” on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

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