Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday was widely mocked for what social media users suggested was a “circular logic” response to a question about tariffs.
As the talk on NBC News’ “Meet The Press” turned to President Donald Trump’s push to impose new tariffs on European nations that have sent troops to Greenland, amid Trump’s repeated threats to seize the island, moderator Kristen Welker noted that Trump has justified tariffs in the past by declaring national emergencies. And she asked Bessent: “What is the national emergency that justifies this new slate of tariffs?”
“The national emergency is avoiding a national emergency,” Bessent replied, stumbling through his answer.
Watch from the 8-minute mark here:
He went on to describe the tariffs as a “strategic” and “geopolitical” decision, arguing that Trump is using America’s economic power to prevent future crises.
The explanation, which failed to identify any specific emergency, went viral for all the wrong reasons:
