UPDATE: Scott Bessent, former Treasury Secretary, is facing intense backlash after defending President Trump’s extravagant Great Gatsby-themed party held during a government shutdown. In an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on October 29, 2023, Bessent brushed aside concerns regarding the optics of Trump’s lavish celebration while many Americans are struggling without food assistance.
During the segment, host Jake Tapper highlighted the stark contrast between the opulence of the party and the plight of those affected by the shutdown, particularly as SNAP benefits are set to expire. Bessent’s response was to shift focus, stating, “The Democrats should reopen the government,” deflecting from the immediate concerns raised by Tapper.
“Did Tapper let him get away with saying that? Unbelievable,” commented one viewer on social media, referencing Trump’s frequent golf outings during his presidency. Critics are questioning whether it was appropriate for Bessent to compare Trump’s golfing habits to those of former President Barack Obama, as he claimed that Obama had played more golf than any other president.
The backlash escalated after Tapper shared a clip of Obama’s speech in Virginia, delivered just hours after Trump’s party concluded. Obama quipped, “If you don’t get an invitation to the next White House shindig, you can always watch the festivities on Trump’s live feed on Truth Social,” highlighting the disconnect between the administration’s priorities and the struggles of everyday Americans.
Viewers have been vocal about the implications of Bessent’s remarks. One commenter on X pointed out that Trump had spent an estimated 70 days playing golf during his presidency, raising questions about leadership during crises. In contrast, a CNN Politics fact check indicated that Trump had outpaced Obama in golf outings, exacerbating public frustration at the perceived extravagance during a time of hardship.
This controversy underscores a growing divide in political optics, as many Americans grapple with the impact of government decisions on their daily lives. With SNAP benefits hanging in the balance, the urgency for a resolution is palpable. The implications of Bessent’s defense of the party could resonate well beyond social media, affecting public perception of the administration’s priorities.
Next Steps: As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on the administration’s response to the growing backlash. Will there be a change in messaging or strategy as public scrutiny rises? The coming days will be critical in determining how this incident influences public opinion and policy decisions moving forward. Stay tuned for further developments on this rapidly evolving story.
