Allegations Against Trump’s Treasury Secretary Regarding Zelensky

Allegations Against Trump’s Treasury Secretary Regarding Zelensky

A new book, Regime Change, co-authored by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, uncovers allegations against Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, Scott Bessent. It claims Bessent made disparaging remarks about Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky before Zelensky’s visit to the White House.

The book, set for release on June 23 by Simon & Schuster, bases its content on extensive interviews and reports from within the Trump administration.

According to excerpts published by The Guardian, Bessent referred to Zelensky in derogatory terms, including calling him a “little f****r”, a “special-needs child for the Europeans”, and “Mr. Bean on crack”.

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Treasury Department and Ukraine’s foreign ministry for comments regarding these allegations.

Context of the Remarks

Bessent reportedly made these comments to associates as anxiety grew within the Trump administration about Zelensky’s meeting with Trump, which occurred on February 28. The meeting devolved into a confrontation between the leaders, with Vice President JD Vance reproving Zelensky for his perceived lack of gratitude and informal attire.

The meeting’s tension led to the cancellation of a planned press conference and a minerals deal, intended to symbolize solidarity. Although the specific agreement was called off, a joint investment fund related to Ukraine’s resource development was finalized in April.

Pre-Meeting Interactions

The book claims that Bessent advised Trump against inviting Zelensky until terms on Ukraine’s mineral resources were agreed upon. Bessent is quoted within the book, expressing skepticism about Zelensky.

Details of a heated meeting in Kyiv between Bessent and Zelensky were reported earlier by the Financial Times and confirmed by Trump, who commented on Bessent’s rough treatment in Kyiv.

Bessent himself described the February 28 confrontation as a major diplomatic failure, accusing Zelensky of disrespecting the American people. He shared his astonishment during an interview on Bloomberg Television over Zelensky’s conduct during the White House visit.