US treasury chief urged Trump not to host ‘Mr Bean on crack’ Zelenskyy, book says
A new book by New York Times reporters reveals that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used derogatory language to describe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The book also details tensions during a 2025 White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Why it matters
The report highlights internal friction within the Trump administration regarding foreign policy and diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes Scott Bessent to Kyiv, Ukraine, on 13 February 2025. Photograph: Ukrainian presidential press office/UPI/Rex/Shutterstock View image in fullscreen Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes Scott Bessent to Kyiv, Ukraine, on 13 February 2025. Photograph: Ukrainian presidential press office/UPI/Rex/Shutterstock Trump administration US treasury chief urged Trump not to host ‘Mr Bean on crack’ Zelenskyy, book says Suggestion that Scott Bessent so described a world leader included in Regime Change, by New York Times reporters
The framing focuses on embarrassing details about a Republican administration, typical of critical political reporting.
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