During his confirmation hearing for the position of treasury secretary, Scott Bessent opened up about his past attempts at public service and the challenges he faced due to his sexual orientation.
Bessent revealed that his desire to serve his country dates back to 1979 when he was just 17 years old. He expressed his initial aspiration to attend the US Naval Academy as a way to contribute to his country, especially during a time when his family was facing financial difficulties.
Despite being offered an appointment by a South Carolina congressman, Bessent was unable to pursue this opportunity due to discrimination based on his sexual orientation. He also shared his experience of being turned away while trying to join the Foreign Service at Yale University.
Reflecting on his journey, Bessent emphasized that his current nomination for the treasury secretary position was based on merit and qualifications rather than his sexual preference. He commended President Trump for selecting him as the best candidate for the role, highlighting the president's inclusive approach to evaluating individuals based on their abilities.
If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would make history as the first openly gay treasury secretary and the first LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration. This milestone underscores the progress towards diversity and inclusion within the government.
