URGENT UPDATE: Scott Bessent has sparked outrage after defending President Donald Trump’s lavish Great Gatsby-themed party held during the ongoing government shutdown. In a heated exchange on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper, Bessent dismissed concerns about the stark contrast between the president’s opulence and the struggles of Americans facing cuts to SNAP benefits.
The remarks come as millions of Americans are grappling with the effects of the shutdown. As Bessent responded to Tapper’s inquiry about the optics of Trump’s party, he deflected blame, suggesting, “The Democrats should reopen the government.” This statement has drawn significant backlash, with critics questioning his priorities during a national crisis.
The discussion escalated when Tapper presented a clip of Barack Obama delivering a scathing critique of Trump’s party in Virginia on October 28. Obama remarked, “And if you don’t get an invitation to the next White House shindig, you can always watch the festivities on Trump’s live feed on Truth Social.” This comment highlighted the stark divide between the former president’s approach and Trump’s current administration.
Bessent attempted to justify the party’s extravagance by comparing Trump’s golf habits to Obama’s, stating, “I believe President Obama played a record amount of golf of any president.” This move to shift the narrative only intensified viewer frustration, with many taking to social media to express disbelief at the comparison. One viewer remarked, “Did Tapper let him get away with saying that? Unbelievable. Tally so far: 287 days in office, 70 days playing golf. That’s one in every FOUR days!”
Critics are pointing out that Trump’s golfing record far exceeds Obama’s during similar timeframes. A CNN Politics fact check from Trump’s first term revealed he spent significantly more time on the golf course than Obama had at the same point in his presidency.
As the government shutdown continues, the disconnect between the administration’s lavish celebrations and the struggles of everyday Americans is drawing scrutiny. The fallout from Bessent’s comments is likely to reverberate as public sentiment grows against perceived elitism amid widespread hardship.
WHAT’S NEXT: With the government shutdown ongoing, all eyes will be on upcoming negotiations and whether lawmakers can reach a resolution that prioritizes the needs of the American people over extravagant festivities. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
