FILE PHOTO: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent participates in a Shield of the Americas event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, US, September 22, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo
Political analysts were astounded Sunday after NBC News' Kristen Welker uncorked a brutal takedown of a Trump administration official on "Meet the Press."
Welker interviewed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the current economic conditions ahead of the midterms. During the interview, Welker challenged Bessent's position that high prices are a temporary shock that will end once the war in Iran is complete. Her forceful pushback didn't go unnoticed.
"Gas prices are up 44% since the start of the war with Iran, Mr. Secretary. So, what do you say to voters who say they are struggling and they want change?" Welker said.
Bessent demurred and tried to blame the Biden administration for the price shocks that are occurring today. Welker was having none of it.
"I hear you blaming President Biden, but President Trump has been in office for 636 days now, or about a year-and-a-half. Inflation was at 3% when he took office, and it is currently at 3.7%. When will the Trump administration take responsibility for the economy?" Welker shot back.
The exchange caused a stir on social media.
Michael Woyton, a former journalist, took issue with Bessent's attempt to deflect blame onto the Biden administration, which had to navigate a global pandemic during its inflation crisis.
"Give it up, man. Does your arrogance prevent you from owning your failures?" Woynton wrote on Bluesky.
Heny Winkler, an actor and frequent Trump critic, was even more blunt.
"Biden is LONG out of office," Winkler posted on X.
Chris Cillizza, an independent news creator, pointed out that the Trump administration still struggles to answer that question even though the midterms are fast approaching.
"The election is in 16 days. And the Trump administration still doesn’t have an answer for this basic question," Cilizza posted on X.
WELKER: What do you say to voters who say they're struggling and want change?BESSENT: Well, why don't we revisit the Biden-era policiesWELKER: President Trump has been in office now for 636 days, and inflation was at 3% when he took office, it's 3.7% now. At what point does the administration take responsibility?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 18, 2026