Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses Past Dinner Incident with Pulte

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed a previous incident involving Bill Pulte, the newly appointed acting intelligence chief, during a Senate budget hearing on June 3, 2026. Senators questioned Bessent about reports from 2025 that he had threatened to punch Pulte at a dinner party. Bessent clarified, stating, "No sir, I actually said I was going to kick his ass." He downplayed the incident, noting that he had called Pulte to congratulate him on his new role. Bessent remarked that disagreements among team members are not uncommon, likening them to locker room squabbles. He also referenced the historical context of physical altercations among Treasury secretaries, citing a history dating back to Alexander Hamilton. Pulte's appointment follows the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down to support her husband during his illness. Democratic lawmakers have criticized Pulte's qualifications for the position, questioning his background in national security, military, and law enforcement.