Trump's Treasury chief spat in his own food and hurled binder at wall as seven top officials quit his department

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Scott Bessent spat in his food and stormed out of a Washington DC restaurant after Code Pink protesters confronted him over sanctions policy, one of several explosive episodes detailed in a Wall Street Journal investigation into Trump's Treasury Secretary. Trump has told advisers he likes Bessent's 'feisty public persona' while Bessent denied throwing the binder and a Treasury spokesman said only that he 'has high expectations'. Seven Senate-confirmed officials have quit the Treasury since Bessent took charge — more than any of the previous four administrations at the same stage. The IRS commissioner post has sat empty since August 2025.

Bessent tore into undersecretary John Hurley in a profanity-laced tirade in January — in front of aides who could hear it from nearby offices.

Bessent reportedly threatened to punch Trump-appointed housing official Bill Pulte in the face at a MAGA dinner in September 2025.

Aides have taken to gauging Bessent's mood before approaching him, with some saying they feel easier when he is away from the office.