Allegations Against Trump’s Treasury Secretary Regarding Zelensky

A forthcoming book focusing on the initial year of Donald Trump’s second term reveals that Scott Bessent, his treasury secretary, allegedly made derogatory comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before Zelensky’s White House visit last year. The book, Regime Change, authored by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, claims to offer insights from numerous interviews and in-depth reporting from within the administration, according to Simon & Schuster’s website.

The book is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, June 23. According to excerpts published by The Guardian, Bessent described Zelensky as a “little f****r” and likened him to a “special-needs child for the Europeans,” further calling him “Mr. Bean on crack.” Both the U.S. Treasury Department and Ukraine’s foreign ministry have been contacted via email for comment.

Bessent’s Alleged Remarks

These remarks were reportedly made to Bessent’s associates as he and other administration members expressed concern about Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with Trump, held on February 28. The meeting led to a tense interaction between the two leaders.

Zelensky visited Washington D.C. with the aim of finalizing a minerals agreement before participating in a joint press conference with Trump that was meant to showcase unity. However, the meeting deteriorated into a loud argument between the presidents and Vice President JD Vance. Vance criticized Zelensky for lacking gratitude towards American support for Ukraine and for not wearing a suit. This unexpected public confrontation concluded abruptly, cancelling the planned press conference.

Although the minerals deal was a priority of Zelensky’s visit, it was canceled. The two nations later signed an agreement in April establishing a joint investment fund for potential earnings from Ukraine’s resource development.

Excerpts from the book claim Bessent advised Trump against inviting Zelensky to the White House until Zelensky accepted U.S. conditions regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources. “‘I’ve dealt with this little f****r,’” Bessent reportedly stated about Zelensky. “‘He’s tricky. He’s like the special-needs child for the Europeans. And he’s acting like Mr. Bean on crack.’”

Bessent and Zelensky’s Prior Interaction

Days before the Oval Office meeting, Bessent traveled to Kyiv to explore the terms of a possible minerals deal. During this visit, the authors claim that both men engaged in a lengthy verbal confrontation. Bessent reportedly asked Zelensky, “‘What the f*** do you want to do?’” The Financial Times previously reported details of this encounter, with Trump telling reporters that Bessent was “treated rather rudely” in Kyiv.

Bessent depicted the exchange in Kyiv as “very heated” while condemning Zelensky’s actions during the February 28 White House meeting. In a Bloomberg Television interview, Bessent called Zelensky’s behavior “one of the greatest diplomatic own goals in history.” He expressed his shock that Zelensky would act in such a manner and communicate this way with the U.S. president and vice president, more importantly, disrespecting the American public.