Disparaging Remarks by Treasury Secretary Highlighted in New Book

A new book focusing on Donald Trump’s second term reveals controversial statements made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The book, Regime Change, comes from New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, who conducted extensive interviews for their research. The book’s release is scheduled for June 23, according to Simon & Schuster.

Excerpts from The Guardian detail how Bessent allegedly referred to Zelensky with derogatory terms and likened him to ‘Mr. Bean on crack.’ Both the U.S. Treasury Department and Ukraine’s foreign ministry have been approached by Newsweek for comments on these claims.

Alleged Remarks

These derogatory statements reportedly came as Bessent and others in the administration showed concern about Zelensky’s planned visit to the White House, which occurred on February 28. The meeting, meant to discuss a minerals agreement and solidify American-Ukraine relations, devolved into a confrontation involving President Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance. Vance criticized Zelensky for appearing ungrateful for U.S. support and for not wearing a suit. The meeting ended abruptly with no press conference, and the minerals deal was initially shelved though later revived in April with a new agreement on resource development.

According to Regime Change, Bessent advised Trump to delay Zelensky’s invitation until Ukraine adhered to U.S. demands regarding its mineral resources. He purportedly described Zelensky as a “special-needs child for the Europeans,” expressing a lack of trust in the Ukrainian leader.

Bessent and Zelensky’s History

Prior to the White House meeting, Bessent had traveled to Kyiv to negotiate the potential minerals agreement. The discussions reportedly became tense with both parties exchanging harsh words. Financial Times covered aspects of this altercation, citing Bessent’s claim of being treated unkindly in Kyiv. Trump echoed this sentiment, expressing displeasure over the treatment of his Treasury Secretary.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Bessent labeled the White House incident as a major diplomatic error, criticizing Zelensky’s conduct and expressing surprise at his disrespect towards American officials and the public.