In a heated congressional hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended his department against accusations from Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., who claimed it was the “most corrupt Treasury Department” in U.S. history. The exchange occurred during a House Ways and Means Committee session, where Sánchez questioned Bessent about a Department of Justice settlement that required the IRS to end any existing tax audits of former President Donald Trump and his family.

Exchange Over DOJ Settlement

The settlement, reached in May, has been a point of contention, with Democrats like Sánchez suggesting it grants undue immunity to Trump. Sánchez pressed Bessent on why the Trump family appeared to have immunity from audits, to which Bessent responded by emphasizing the role of the Justice Department and the acting attorney general in representing the Treasury and IRS.

The hearing highlighted ongoing debates about the extent of executive power and its intersection with federal agencies and politically sensitive investigations. While Sánchez accused Bessent of allowing special treatment for Trump, Bessent countered that her claims were “slanderous” and based on “unsubstantiated opinions.”

Broader Implications

This confrontation underscores a broader narrative where Democrats warn of potential special treatment for Trump, while the administration argues against what it sees as institutional overreach. Critics have questioned the DOJ’s authority to bind the IRS in this manner, suggesting Trump may have pressured the government for personal gain. Supporters, however, view the immunity as a necessary response to alleged government weaponization against Trump.

The status of the Trump family’s immunity remains uncertain, particularly after a federal judge blocked a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund. Bessent has refrained from commenting on whether the immunity deal is still active, citing ongoing litigation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.