US Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent addressed the economic and political repercussions of the recent 43-day government shutdown, the longest and most damaging in US history.
He blamed Senate Democrats for using the legislative filibuster to hold the country hostage and urged Republicans to end the filibuster if a similar shutdown threat arises over spending issues in January. Despite a $11 billion permanent loss to the economy, Bessent remained optimistic about 2026, citing easing interest rates, ongoing tax cuts, new trade deals, and expected healthcare cost reductions as growth drivers.