'I'm stable': Mnuchin nervously cracks joke after lawmaker sears Trump for claiming to be a 'stable genius'

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Thursday would not follow the lead of the President of the United States and claim that he is a "stable genius."

In a hearing before the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) noted that President Donald Trump had recently referred to himself as a "stable genius" at a NATO press conference.

Meeks pointed out to Mnuchin that President Barack Obama inherited "the worst financial crisis since the great depression."

"When the 'stable genius' became the president -- that's what he calls himself -- self-proclaimed 'stable genius' -- this country over 100 months ago, we were gaining jobs," Meeks said. "What situation do you think is better for a president of the United States?"

"That's a fact, unless you can deny that fact," the congressman told Mnuchin, "which the 'stable genius' denies all the time different facts."

Meeks went on to ask Mnuchin if he would agree that the world is "more interconnected" today than at any time in history. But Mnuchin refused to concede the point.

"I'm happy to answer other questions," Mnuchin replied.

"Are you a stable genius, Mr. Secretary?" Meeks pressed.

"I'm sorry, what was the question?" Mnuchin said.

"Are you a stable genius?" Meeks repeated.

"Am I a stable genius?" Mnuchin stuttered. "I'm stable. And I won't refer to myself as a genius."

"I'm just trying to find out," Meeks explained. "I know that sometimes working for a stable genius -- I'd like to know how that is... Does the stable genius listen to you? ... Is he listening to you or -- because he's a stable genius -- he just does whatever the heck he wants to do?"

Mnuchin assured Meeks that Trump listens to his advice, although the president does not always heed it.

"I wouldn't be in this job if I didn't think he listens to my advice," Mnuchin remarked.

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