"I Created a Monster": Behind the Scenes of the Strongman in Trump's Administration

A Wall Street Journal investigation reveals the aggressive management style of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, including shouting, cursing, and confrontations with senior officials. Seven senior officials have left since he took office, while Trump continues to back him, joking that he "created a monster."

A comprehensive Wall Street Journal investigation, published Wednesday, reveals the aggressive management style of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent since he took office in early 2025. The investigation describes a rigid work environment rife with outbursts of rage, including shouting, cursing, and confrontations with senior officials at the Treasury Department and the broader administration. Notable incidents include a loud confrontation with Elon Musk in the West Wing, a semi-physical intervention with the head of the Housing Agency, and shouting at the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence in front of aides. Turnover at the top of the department is unusually high: seven Senate-confirmed officials have left, compared to the same period in previous administrations. Bessent has had to contend with a national debt exceeding $40 trillion, high bond yields, inflation, and the economic campaign against Iran. Despite the criticism, President Trump gives Bessent full backing, speaking with him daily and expanding his powers, while joking that he "created a monster."