Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent takes refuge at military base after receiving threats linked to Iranian regime
Bessent's transfer comes after Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned last month, in a memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that Iran had "substantially increased" its efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and beyond.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent left his residence in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., and moved to a military base after receiving death threats linked to the Iranian regime, as first reported by The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Treasury confirmed the relocation and stated that Bessent will not be intimidated by the Iranian regime's threats. Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the base or the precise nature of the threat.
Why the decision was made
Bessent thus becomes the third high-ranking member of Donald Trump's cabinet to be reported as having been relocated to military facilities, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The decision stems from concerns that the location of his home might have been compromised following the publication of a photograph of the property.
"Security concerns began to increase which have now forced the secretary to relocate to a military base for his safety," a source familiar with the matter told The New York Times. "The news media has an obligation to act responsibly amid growing threats against public officials."
The relocation also affects Bessent's family. A senior administration official confirmed to Fox News that both the secretary and his family members moved to the military base after determining that the threats had reached "more than an advanced stage."
Bessent: Architect of economic pressure
Bessent is not just any target within the administration. Since August, he has headed the Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign designed to financially isolate Iran through sanctions, trade restrictions and measures against banks and financial services companies that facilitate transactions with Tehran.
The economic strategy coincides with a naval blockade of Iranian ports and is part of a broader effort to force the Iranian regime to halt attacks on shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
"The secretary will not be intimidated by the Iranian regime's threats and remains committed to carrying out Operation Economic Outcast and maintaining the blockade, which together are crippling the Iranian economy," a Treasury Department spokesperson stated in an emailed release.
Intelligence agencies warn of advanced plans
According to sources cited by The New York Times, U.S. officials concluded in recent weeks that Iranian plans targeting U.S. officials—both active-duty and retired—had reached "a more advanced stage," partly due to information about specific threats against Bessent.
🛠 Do you think there is an error in this article?
Recommendations
LATEST
