A new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan alleges that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised Donald Trump against hosting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, using derogatory language to describe the Ukrainian president. According to the book Regime Change, Bessent called Zelenskyy a 'little fucker,' a 'special-needs child,' and 'Mr Bean on crack.'
Disastrous White House Meeting
The meeting that did take place on February 28, 2025, proved disastrous, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy for lack of gratitude and not wearing a suit. The incident highlighted tensions over US aid to Ukraine, a key topic at the recent G7 summit in France.
Bessent's Role and Reactions
Bessent had strongly recommended barring Zelenskyy from the White House until a minerals deal was signed. During the meeting, Bessent was present as Vance confronted Zelenskyy over security guarantees. Afterward, Bessent told Bloomberg that Zelenskyy scored 'one of the great diplomatic own goals' and disrespected the American people.
The book also details Bessent's unsuccessful handling of the minerals deal, including a shouting match with Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Bessent reportedly compared Trump to George Soros, saying 'They are the same animal.' The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
