Rep. Maxine Waters asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent a series of questions before the two clashed over tariff policy on Feb. 4, 2026. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP/Getty Images)
Bessent: A study from Wharton University has shown—
Waters: Reclaiming my time. Reclaiming my time. Mr. Chair, will you let him know when I ask to reclaim my time—
Rep. French Hill, R-Ariz., House Financial Services Committee chairman: The time does belong to the gentlewoman from California.
A COMPLETE TIMELINE OF TRUMP'S TARIFF IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ACROSS THE GLOBE
Bessent: Ten to twenty million immigrants—
Waters: Can you shut him up?
Bessent: What about the housing stock for working Americans? And can you maintain some level of dignity?
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the Trump administration's trade duties exceeded presidential authority. Pictured: A U.S. flag flies over shipping cranes and containers in Long Beach, California, on March 4, 2019. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)
Bessent's testimony comes as the Trump administration awaits a Supreme Court ruling on whether some of the trade duties imposed in 2025 exceeded presidential authority, a decision that could have broad implications for current tariff actions.
Tariffs are taxes levied on imported goods. Although they are paid by companies at the border, the costs are often passed along through higher prices, leaving consumers to bear much of the burden.
Amanda covers the intersection of business and politics for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/can-you-shut-him-up-waters-treasurys-bessent-clash-over-trumps-economic-agenda