Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) praised Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Group, as an excellent pick for President-elect Trump’s Treasury secretary. During an interview with Semafor on Thursday, Graham described Bessent as “highly qualified” and said, “I think he’d be outstanding. He’s from South Carolina, I know him well.”
He also emphasized that Bessent had been “well-vetted.” Bessent, a hedge fund manager and economic adviser to Trump’s campaign, is said to be among the leading candidates for the Treasury position, alongside Howard Lutnick, the CEO and chair of Cantor Fitzgerald.
Senator Tim Scott joins Graham in supporting Bessent for Treasury secretary
Graham mentioned that both he and his Senate colleague from South Carolina, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), hold Bessent in high regard. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Bessent has supported Trump’s goals for energy independence and deregulation, while criticizing the economic policies of Vice President Harris.
A former official from Trump’s Treasury Department explained to The Hill that Bessent possesses the expertise needed for the current moment, especially as the U.S. may undergo shifts in its trade and financial relations.
The official added that Bessent’s skills seem perfectly suited for the challenges ahead. Reports from The Washington Post indicate that Trump is expected to interview Bessent on Friday, according to two sources close to the process.
Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump transition, has backed Trump’s tariff proposals and is a strong supporter of cryptocurrencies. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who recently announced that he would not be joining Trump’s administration, is reportedly supportive of Bessent, according to the Post.
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance Transition, stated, “President-Elect Trump is making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” according to The Hill.
