Fox News Viewers Rip Scott Bessent to Shreds, Call Him a 'Bumbling Idiot' Over Tariff Defense

Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, faced a brutal onslaught from Fox News viewers after his disastrous defense of a newly imposed 50% tariff on Canada. The backlash erupted following his appearance on Fox Business' Mornings with Maria, where he struggled to justify the tariff targeting Canadian goods.

Donald Trump announced the hefty tariff, claiming Canada discriminated against American products. Bessent's attempt to defend this policy fell flat, especially after he faced criticism for unveiling a gold coin featuring the president's likeness. This came on the heels of Trump snapping at a reporter, declaring, "you don’t know anything," when pressed about his policies.

During the segment, host Maria Bartiromo grilled Bessent about the implications of the new tariffs. "Of course this week is a big week for tariffs," she stated, highlighting the expiration of section 221 tariffs and the impending implementation of section 301 tariffs. She warned that Trump was ready to unleash fresh tariffs on multiple countries.

Bartiromo pressed further, "As the president has imposed a 50% tariff on some Canadian goods, including cars, alcohol and dairy products, what is the trade discrimination that is at hand causing the president to hike tariffs here on Canada?"

Bessent fumbled through his response, stating, "Well, I think it’s something that we’ve discussed with our Canadian colleagues for a long time, and uh, they haven’t done anything about it." He claimed Canada was "highly discriminatory on dairy products," but his delivery was shaky.

His incoherent statements continued as he stammered, "U.S...uh...U.S....uh...alcohol and beverages have been removed from Canadian shelves." He attempted to frame the tariffs as "reciprocity" for Canada's actions against U.S. companies.

Viewers took to social media to express their disdain for Bessent's performance. Critics pointed out his lack of clarity and confidence, with one user stating, "Bessent is really bad at this. Not smooth. Sounds like a bumbling idiot." The sentiment echoed across platforms.

Another user vented frustration, "US is led by a bunch of morons. The midterms are not coming fast enough." A third user blasted the administration as "despicable," while another called Bessent a "f-g tool," questioning how individuals could be so disconnected from reality.

Comments continued to pour in, with one user lamenting, "Trump's people make the US look really dum(b)," while another groaned about the administration's credibility, stating, "Exhibit 1 million why no one believes this administration anymore."

Trump unveiled these new tariffs on July 20, accusing Canada of unjustly discriminating against American automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products.