Bessent calls $20 billion lifeline to Argentina a ‘mission-critical’ function of Treasury during shutdown

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the Cabinet Room of the White House on October 17. Alex Brandon/AP/File

Finalizing a $20 billion lifeline for Argentina using taxpayers’ funds during the government shutdown was an essential action for the agency, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday.

His remarks came in response to a letter from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, who wrote to Bessent a week prior requesting an explanation as to why the Treasury Department was working on the Argentinian lifeline during a shutdown of the federal government that has restrained resources.

“We have been forced to prioritize mission-critical efforts necessary to the discharge of the President’s constitutional duties — including national security and global