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Treasury Chief Bessent Allegedly Insults Zelensky Pre-Trump Confrontation

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

‘Regime Change’ alleges that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ‘little f****r’ and ‘Mr. Bean on crack.’
Bessent made the insults before the February 28 White House meeting that turned into an exchange after U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, prompting press conference cancellation.
Reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan co-authored the book, which draws on interviews, for a June 23 release.

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Story summary

‘Regime Change’ alleges that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ‘little f****r’ and ‘Mr. Bean on crack.’
Bessent made the insults before the February 28 White House meeting that turned into an exchange after U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, prompting press conference cancellation.
Reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan co-authored the book, which draws on interviews, for a June 23 release.