Treasury Secretary Bessent Defends Tariffs On NBC's "Meet The Press," Denies Tax On Americans

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent squared off against Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press” over the economic impact of tariffs, dismissing reports from major corporations and a Goldman Sachs analysis that indicate American businesses and consumers bear the brunt of the costs.

During an interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was pressed by moderator Kristen Welker on whether he acknowledges that tariffs are a tax on the American people. The exchange centered on the impact of the administration’s trade policies on U.S. businesses and consumers, with Bessent repeatedly refuting the premise.

Welker presented the Secretary with a list of major American companies—including Nike, Black & Decker, and the “Big Three” automakers—that have reported significant fin