Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Episode Title: Scott Bessent Is a Pathetic and Incompetent MORON
Release Date: April 27, 2025
Host: Tim Miller, The Bulwark

Introduction

In this scathing episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delivers a vehement critique of Treasury Secretary Scott Besant. The discussion centers around Besant's recent public appearances, particularly his performance on ABC's "This Week with Martha Raddatz," where Miller perceives Besant as unprepared and misleading regarding critical trade negotiations with China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's Performance

Miller opens the episode by condemning Besant's appearance on "This Week," highlighting what he sees as a pattern of incompetence and dishonesty.

Tim Miller [00:00]: "Treasury Secretary Scott Besant humiliated himself again on the Sunday shows... his answers were ranged from unsatisfactory to lying to just utterly, utterly mortifying and disgraceful."

Miller criticizes Besant for failing to provide clear and accurate information about ongoing trade negotiations, particularly with China, which Miller argues are pivotal to the U.S. economy.

Trade Negotiations with China

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the strained trade relations between the U.S. and China, with Miller emphasizing the detrimental impact of high tariffs.

Tim Miller [01:44]: "We have a 145% tariff on them. I've mentioned this a couple times... 145% tariff is totally unsustainable. We can't make money. We're going to lose money on everything we sell."

Miller underscores the real-world consequences of these tariffs, citing examples such as small business struggles and reduced port traffic:

• Small Business Impact: A small business owner from New Orleans shares how Chinese imports are essential for their sales to tourists, and the high tariffs are crippling their profitability.

• Port Traffic Decline: Reports indicate a significant drop in Chinese goods entering West Coast ports, with the final Chinese ship expected to arrive imminently, signaling an urgent economic crisis.

Tim Miller [03:50]: "There is not an alternative in the US... everyone is going to interact with this crisis in their lives."

Lack of Clear Communication and Leadership

Miller expresses frustration with Besant's inability to communicate effectively and provide a clear strategy:

Tim Miller [04:50]: "The Treasury Secretary should be fully engaged... but he's just sitting there all haughtily talking about... we'll see."

He points out that Besant's vague and evasive responses fail to instill confidence in the administration's handling of the trade war, exacerbating economic uncertainties.

Critique of President Trump's Claims

The conversation shifts to Besant's response to President Trump's assertion of making "200 deals on tariffs."

Scott Besant [05:25]: "I believe that he is referring to sub deals within the negotiations..."

Miller dismantles this claim, suggesting that these "sub deals" are insignificant and do not translate to meaningful progress:

Tim Miller [05:50]: "So, yeah, we got these sub deals. They're sub deals. I don't know... you've made no, like, maybe you've made progress."

He likens the situation to a failed job negotiation, where discussions lack substance and fail to result in actual agreements.

Market and Economic Implications

Miller argues that the administration's handling of the trade negotiations is detrimental to both the markets and the broader economy:

Tim Miller [06:10]: "If I'm an investor, investment's basically saying, we're not going to have any deal for months with China. I don't think that should be calming to the markets..."

He suggests that Besant's public statements are not only ineffective but may be actively harming investor confidence and economic stability.

Final Remarks and Conclusion

In closing, Miller reiterates his disdain for Besant's performance and the administration's trade policies:

Tim Miller [06:16]: "There's nothing. So why defend it? I guess why defend it on ABC this week? Who is that for?"

He calls for more effective leadership and a coherent strategy to address the pressing trade issues, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the trade war with China to prevent further economic fallout.

Key Takeaways

• Incompetence and Dishonesty: Besant is portrayed as failing to provide honest and accurate information regarding trade negotiations.
• Severe Economic Impact: High tariffs, especially the 145% on China, are causing significant harm to small businesses and overall economic stability.
• Lack of Effective Communication: Besant's unclear and evasive responses undermine confidence in the administration's trade policies.
• Market Concerns: The handling of trade negotiations is negatively affecting investor confidence and could potentially lead to a recession.
• Urgent Need for Action: There's a pressing need for decisive and transparent leadership to navigate the trade war and mitigate its adverse effects on the economy.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [00:00]: "He decides you want to go onto TV and try to spin this nonsense for Donald Trump."
• Tim Miller [01:44]: "145% tariff is totally unsustainable. We can't make money. We're going to lose money on everything we sell."
• Tim Miller [05:25]: "If there are 180 countries, there are 18 important trading partners... let's put China to the side because that's a special negotiation."
• Tim Miller [06:16]: "Why defend it on ABC this week? Who is that for?"

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a critical examination of Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's handling of the U.S.-China trade negotiations, highlighting perceived failures in communication, strategy, and leadership that Miller argues are detrimental to the American economy.