Full Breakdown
Scott Bessent Critiques New York Times Coverage of Biden and Trump
12/4/2025, 9:33:04 AM
Tensions at the Dealbook Summit
Scott Bessent, a prominent figure in the financial sector, publicly criticized the New York Times during its Dealbook Summit in New York City. Bessent accused the newspaper of biased reporting regarding President Donald Trump's health while neglecting to adequately cover the perceived decline of former President Joe Biden. In a heated exchange with Times reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bessent expressed his belief that the Times is losing its relevance, labeling it a “fever swamp” and stating that he no longer reads the publication.
Accusations of Distorted Coverage
Bessent's criticism was sparked by a recent Times article that suggested Trump, now 79, is exhibiting signs of aging, including shorter public appearances and moments of fatigue. He countered this narrative by highlighting a recent three-hour Cabinet meeting, arguing that such engagements demonstrate Trump's active involvement in governance. Bessent contended that the Times has manufactured a narrative about Trump’s decline while ignoring his work pace, stating, “Where was the New York Times? We just had a three-hour cabinet meeting yesterday!”
Biden's Coverage Under Scrutiny
Bessent escalated his critique by asserting that the Times has contributed to “one of the greatest scandals of all time” through its coverage of Biden's administration and his alleged diminished capacity. He questioned how the invocation of the 25th Amendment could be considered if Biden rarely convenes his Cabinet, implying a lack of engagement from the former president. This assertion reflects a broader concern among some critics regarding the media's role in shaping public perception of political figures.
Pushback from the New York Times
In response to Bessent's accusations, Sorkin defended the Times' reporting, suggesting that raising questions about Biden's coverage warranted similar scrutiny of Trump’s condition. This exchange highlights the ongoing debate about media bias and the responsibilities of news organizations in reporting on the health and capabilities of political leaders.
Broader Implications for Media
Bessent's remarks come at a time when the New York Times is experiencing significant growth, with over 12 million subscribers and a strong financial performance. Despite this success, the tension between Bessent and the Times underscores a critical discourse on journalistic integrity and the impact of media narratives on public perception of political figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know, in 20, 30, 40, 50 years, the New York Times is no longer the paper of record,” — Scott Bessent
- “I read this article, like ‘President Trump is slowing down. President Trump’s mental capacity –’ It is a hundred percent fake. Like he only called me twice at 2 in the morning last week instead of three times.” — Scott Bessent
- “Where was the New York Times? We just had a three-hour cabinet meeting yesterday, Andrew!” — Scott Bessent
- “probably fair to raise these questions” — Andrew Ross Sorkin
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Bessent criticized the Times for its coverage of Trump, the newspaper's reporting indicated a focus on the realities of aging for both Trump and Biden. The differing perspectives on media responsibility and the portrayal of political figures highlight a significant divide in public discourse.
