Is the world better off with the new Trump whisperer Scott Bessent?

In the circle of confidants around Donald Trump, a meaningful chair dance seems to have taken place this week. Because when the American president announced on Wednesday to break his import duties for ninety days, it was not Trumps highest trade advisor Peter Navarro (75), but his finance minister who spoke to the press afterwards: Scott Bessent (63).

Wall Street breathed relieved. Even Fox News-commentator Charles Gasparinoself-proclaimed Trump fan, sighed: « Scott Bessent has entered the White House. He finally takes the lead. »

Why this relief?

Until now, Trump mainly left his ears to Navarro with regard to his economic course. It is considered architect of the trade war, is fierce anti-China and a pronounced protectionist. But the criticism of this policy became louder and louder – and increasingly focused on Navarro itself. This is how Musk called him this week « more dumb than a bag of bricks. » Bessent is known as more tactous than Navarro. He sells the same hard message, but a lot more diplomatic. And it also does a lot better on Wall Street.

How did he get Trump on his side?

In the White House signed a separation of the spirits. On the one hand there were business people like Musk, who mainly want economic peace, on the other hand Maga figures such as Navarro, who see taxes as a weapon for re-industrialization. Where Navarro stands out war language and entrepreneurs are looking for predictability, Bessent is in between – as a translator, softener, brake. In the presidential plane to Washington he said according to The New York Times Against Trump that the markets yearn for clarity. But even more important: « You are the best negotiator in the world. » That would have lingered.

In the following days, Bessent directed the turn in silence. On Wednesday the message followed on Truth Social: Landen (except China) will receive ninety days to reach an agreement.

Who is berry?

At first glance, he is not an obvious ally of Trump. Yale-Alumnus, manager of the billions of George Soros for years, who is often seen as arch enemy by Trump supporters. Openly homosexual, living in a pink mansion in Charleston and former donor at Democrats, including Hillary Clinton. Nevertheless, he has been paving with substantial contributions to the Trump camp since 2016, his way to political influence. Trump rewarded him for his support with a position as a minister.

Is the world finished better with berry as a Trump whisperer?

Maybe. This week, Bessent proved that he can calm Trump. At a meeting of bankers he said: « From now on I will take the lead in the negotiations on the taxes. » But the clock is ticking, says prominent economist Neil Dutta in Polrico. To maintain trust, Bessent « Snel will have to present an example of a successful trade agreement ».

The minister stands for a difficult assignment, says the economist: « We have no manual for this situation. » Dutta praises his financial expertise to « wage the trade war in the most effective way, so that the blows for the American population remain as small as possible. » Now it is hoped that this also applies to the rest of the world.

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