New Book Details Tensions Between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly advised Donald Trump to deny Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a meeting at the Oval Office, according to the new book Regime Change by The New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The authors report that Bessent used derogatory language in private to describe Zelenskyy, labeling him a “little prick,” a “special needs kid,” and a “druggie Mr. Bean.”
Why did the Treasury Secretary oppose the meeting?
According to Regime Change, Bessent pressured Trump to withhold access to the White House until Zelenskyy signed a specific mineral rights agreement. Bessent viewed the Ukrainian leader as an exceptionally difficult negotiator. The book details a previous, heated encounter in Kyiv where Bessent attempted to force the signing of the mineral accord, which resulted in a volatile verbal confrontation between the parties.
What happened during the February 2025 meeting?
Despite initial resistance, the meeting took place on February 28, 2025, in the Oval Office. The Guardian reports that the session was characterized by a high-tension atmosphere. Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly confronted Zelenskyy, criticizing him for a perceived lack of gratitude regarding U.S. financial support.
Tensions also extended to matters of protocol. The book reveals that then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz attempted to persuade Zelenskyy to wear a formal suit for the meeting, a request the Ukrainian president did not fulfill. This departure from traditional diplomatic attire became a focal point of criticism from the Trump administration team.
The final version of the mineral rights agreement underwent significant revisions by Usha Vance, the wife of the Vice President. According to the authors, Trump requested her intervention after a policy deadlock between Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
How do internal disagreements shape foreign policy?
The reporting highlights how internal cabinet friction directly impacted the drafting of international agreements. The book notes that the finalization of the mineral deal was hampered by a power struggle between Bessent and Howard Lutnick over the document’s specific contents. This internal maneuvering suggests that the administration’s foreign policy approach was frequently filtered through competing departmental priorities rather than a unified diplomatic strategy.
Is there a precedent for Bessent’s view of Trump?
The book claims that Bessent drew a personal comparison between Donald Trump and George Soros. In private discussions, Bessent allegedly remarked that Trump reminded him of his former employer, stating, “He’s the same kind of guy.” This assertion provides insight into how members of the inner circle reconcile their past professional associations with their current roles in the Trump administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the book Regime Change?
The book was written by The New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.
What was the primary conflict regarding the meeting with Zelenskyy?
According to the book, Bessent wanted to leverage the Oval Office visit to force Zelenskyy to sign a mineral resource agreement.
Why did the Trump administration criticize Zelenskyy during the February 2025 meeting?
Trump and Vance reportedly criticized the Ukrainian president for his choice of attire and for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude for U.S. aid.
What role did Usha Vance play in the administration?
The book reports that Trump tasked Usha Vance with reviewing and significantly rewriting the proposed mineral rights agreement after cabinet secretaries failed to agree on the terms.
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