Democrat Tries To Own Scott Bessent But Doesn’t Understand How Government Works

Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) accused Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s department of being “the most corrupt in American history” during a heated congressional hearing on Wednesday, then rattled off complaints outside the Treasury’s jurisdiction.

“Inflation is now rising faster than hourly wages, gas prices are at an all-time high with the war in Iran, the cost of groceries has risen 3.2% over the past two years, and prices on most goods have gone up because of Trump’s tariffs,” Sánchez said. “So I don’t see how you can call that anything other than a failure of the most corrupt Treasury Department in history.” 

Bessent rejected the characterization, saying she was “short on facts and long on hot air.” 

California Representative @LindaTSanchez tells Secretary Scott Bessent his Treasury Department is “the most corrupt in American history.”

She provides tariffs, war with Iran and a DOJ settlement as her evidence.

Tariff policy is led by the White House and aided by Section 232… pic.twitter.com/vCUNZadS5y

— Brecca Stoll (@breccastoll) June 4, 2026

Sánchez’s criticism focused on several issues that are either directed by the White House or involve agencies beyond the Treasury’s direct policymaking authority.

Sánchez first targeted inflation, which she blamed on Trump’s tariffs and the conflict with Iran. Energy prices have increased since the military operations against Iran began, contributing to broader inflationary pressures. 

Bessent responded sharply: “On inflation, I will not take firefighting advice from an arsonist,” a reference to the inflation surge during the Biden administration.

Sánchez also criticized Trump’s tariff policies, arguing they have increased costs for American consumers. The Trump administration has defended the tariffs as necessary to reset foreign trade relationships and secure industries deemed critical to national security, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, steel, and critical minerals. The average household is likely to pay an extra $570 due to tariffs in 2026. 

While the Treasury ultimately receives tariff revenue after collection, trade policy is largely driven by the White House, the Commerce Department, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Finally, Sánchez targeted the IRS, which is part of the Treasury, for failing to audit Trump’s tax returns. Bessent responded that the Treasury follows existing legal guidance and suggested that disagreements over the matter should be directed to the Department of Justice. The Treasury Department is unable to audit Trump’s tax returns as the DOJ issued an order that permanently barred the IRS from auditing past tax returns of not only President Donald Trump, but also his family, and related companies.

“At Treasury, we follow the rule of law,” Bessent said.