Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Wednesday that he threatened to “kick ass” during a heated confrontation last year, while firmly denying reports that he threatened to punch the now-acting Director of National Intelligence “in the face.”
The unusual exchange emerged during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, where Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) pressed Bessent about reports surrounding a confrontation between the two Trump administration officials during the summer of 2025.
According to Bessent, one key detail in the widely circulated account was inaccurate.
Seijah Drake was born in Boston, MA, where she developed a penchant for writing early on and a passion for politics in college. After college she worked briefly for a conservative media in New York before relocating to the Greater D.C. Area to pursue a career in political marketing. She now resides in the free state of Florida.
The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) launches a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile at a practice target during a live fire training exercise while at sea Jan. 25, 2013. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 are conducting PHIBRON-MEU Integration in preparation for their Composite Training Unit Exercise, the final phase of a six-month pre-deployment training program. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle N. Runnels/Released)
A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans believe U.S. leaders need to be more involved in international affairs to protect U.S. interests and stability worldwide, reflecting a significant rise in support for this leadership role.
The group’s annual survey, which polled more than 1,200 individuals, indicates a shift in U.S. views towards foreign policy and intervention, which had waned significantly following nearly two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. (RELATED: ‘Apocalyptic’ Events Increasing Worldwide)
Pfc. Cameron Boyd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Of those surveyed, 77% said the U.S. has a moral obligation to stand up for human rights and democracy whenever possible, and 86% said a strong military is “essential” to maintaining peace and prosperity across the globe.
About 54% of respondents in the study said they believe a more engaged U.S. approach to international events is “better” for America, marking an increase from around 40% in the past three years of polling.
It also found that while Americans still support the NATO alliance, there is growing reluctance to provide military assistance to foreign governments who fail to “do their fair share.”
Officials from the Reagan Institute said they see the findings as evidence that Americans mostly “believe a strong U.S. role in international affairs benefits both our country and the world.”
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of today’s other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
The Senate steps up on defense. Good political news is rare these days, but there are glimmers of light in Congress as it negotiates the annual military policy bill. A Senate committee last week added $25 billion to the defense budget outline. In another, better era this would trigger a larger election debate about America’s deteriorating defenses. (RELATED: We Should Fast-Track US Citizenship for Noncitizen Troops)
US Marines’ transfer to Guam from Okinawa to start in December. The transfer of Marines stationed in Japan’s Okinawa island to Guam will start in December. This, part of a long-agreed Japan-U.S. forces realignment plan aimed at reducing the southern island prefecture’s base-hosting burden.
IRAN THREAT
FIGHTING WITH BOTH HANDS TIED BEHIND ITS BACK BY BIDEN. Navy faces most intense running sea battle since WWII with Houthis. The Navy prepared for decades to potentially fight the USSR, then later Russia and China. But now the Navy finds itself locked in combat with a shadowy, Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen.
Here’s why Ukraine should seek peace. After more than two years of death and destruction: Russia will not achieve its imperial conquest of Ukraine, and Ukraine will most certainly not be able to regain control of all the territory occupied by Russia.
Short on troops, Ukraine is freeing criminals to fight. To fill a critical shortage of infantry on the front line, Ukraine has embraced one of Russia’s most cynical tactics: releasing convicted — even violent — felons who agree to fight in high-risk assault brigades.
An Army Special Forces veteran creates American flags that don’t burn. In many ways, Kyle Daniels is your typical Midwestern American. He grew up in a patriotic household, many of his family members joined the military, and his father was very meticulous about flag etiquette — especially compared to your average American.
Paul Crespo is the Managing Editor of American Liberty Defense News. As a Marine Corps officer, he led Marines, served aboard ships in the Pacific and jumped from helicopters and airplanes. He was also a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at U.S. embassies worldwide. He later ran for state and federal office, taught political science, wrote for the editorial board of a major newspaper and had his own radio show. A graduate of Georgetown, London and Cambridge universities, he brings decades of experience and insight to the issues that most threaten our American liberty – at home and from abroad. To read more go to: paulcrespo.com.
Paul Crespo is the Managing Editor of American Liberty Defense News. As a Marine Corps officer, he led Marines, served aboard ships in the Pacific and jumped from helicopters and airplanes. He was also a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at U.S. embassies worldwide. He later ran for state and federal office, taught political science, wrote for the editorial board of a major newspaper and had his own radio show. A graduate of Georgetown, London and Cambridge universities, he brings decades of experience and insight to the issues that most threaten our American liberty – at home and from abroad. To read more go to: paulcrespo.com.
Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to
At American Liberty News, we eschew the mainstream media’s tightly controlled narrative to provide our readers with real news, real insights, and the means to take action. We seek out insightful coverage – and partner with knowledgeable and experienced people and organizations to bring you the information and insight our readers demand.
We humbly seek to provide the tools and information necessary for our readers to decide for themselves what is true and what is right.
Americans Want Strong US Military And World Leadership
Treasury Secretary Clarifies Threat Against Bill Pulte
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Wednesday that he threatened to “kick ass” during a heated confrontation last year, while firmly denying reports that he threatened to punch the now-acting Director of National Intelligence “in the face.”
The unusual exchange emerged during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, where Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) pressed Bessent about reports surrounding a confrontation between the two Trump administration officials during the summer of 2025.
According to Bessent, one key detail in the widely circulated account was inaccurate.
While he denied threatening.
Seijah Drake
Seijah Drake was born in Boston, MA, where she developed a penchant for writing early on and a passion for politics in college. After college she worked briefly for a conservative media in New York before relocating to the Greater D.C. Area to pursue a career in political marketing. She now resides in the free state of Florida.
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MONDAY PDB – With the world in dangerous chaos under Joe Biden’s failed leadership, Americans want more intervention in foreign affairs.
A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans believe U.S. leaders need to be more involved in international affairs to protect U.S. interests and stability worldwide, reflecting a significant rise in support for this leadership role.
This, according to the Ronald Reagan Institute.
The group’s annual survey, which polled more than 1,200 individuals, indicates a shift in U.S. views towards foreign policy and intervention, which had waned significantly following nearly two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. (RELATED: ‘Apocalyptic’ Events Increasing Worldwide)
Of those surveyed, 77% said the U.S. has a moral obligation to stand up for human rights and democracy whenever possible, and 86% said a strong military is “essential” to maintaining peace and prosperity across the globe.
About 54% of respondents in the study said they believe a more engaged U.S. approach to international events is “better” for America, marking an increase from around 40% in the past three years of polling.
It also found that while Americans still support the NATO alliance, there is growing reluctance to provide military assistance to foreign governments who fail to “do their fair share.”
Officials from the Reagan Institute said they see the findings as evidence that Americans mostly “believe a strong U.S. role in international affairs benefits both our country and the world.”
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of today’s other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
Not the President’s Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL’S DAILY BRIEFING – the PDB:
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Senate steps up on defense. Good political news is rare these days, but there are glimmers of light in Congress as it negotiates the annual military policy bill. A Senate committee last week added $25 billion to the defense budget outline. In another, better era this would trigger a larger election debate about America’s deteriorating defenses. (RELATED: We Should Fast-Track US Citizenship for Noncitizen Troops)
Missile Defense Agency satellites track first hypersonic launch. “Initial reports show the sensors successfully collected data after launch,” the agency said.
POLITICS
GOP House defense bill would undo Biden Pentagon’s abortion travel policy. They hope to prevent service members from using leave, and travel and transportation allowances to get abortions for themselves or their dependents.
House says no to returning a recently removed Confederate memorial to Arlington.
Assessment for an independent cyber force passes House, Senate defense committees.
UNACCEPTABLE – State Air Guard units could be moved to active-duty Space Force despite governors’ opposition under Senate proposal, but with few exceptions.
Congress’ defense budget fight this summer to focus on pay raises, total military spending.
ISRAEL WAR AGAINST TERROR
Israel’s army says it will pause daytime fighting along a route in southern Gaza to help flow of aid. (RELATED: Despicable Hamas Terror Chief Wants Many More Dead Gazans)
AFV DEFENSES FAILED? – 8 Israeli soldiers in armored fighting vehicle were killed in explosion in southern Gaza. This, the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disbands his 6-member inner war cabinet. This, after the departure from government of the centrist former general Benny Gantz.
US POWER OVERSEAS
BIDEN COWARDS – US debated canceling sub deployment to Cuba after learning of Russia’s warship plans. Routine plans by the U.S. Navy to deploy a nuclear submarine to Cuba this week were almost canceled after cowardly Team Biden learned of Russia’s plans to dock one of its own in Havana at the same time.
New American units in Pacific talk testing high altitude balloons, other systems with regional partners.
Pentagon stands by secret anti-vaccination information campaign in Philippines after Reuters report. The clandestine disinformation campaign in 2020 was aimed to sow doubt about China’s COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the global pandemic.
US Marines’ transfer to Guam from Okinawa to start in December. The transfer of Marines stationed in Japan’s Okinawa island to Guam will start in December. This, part of a long-agreed Japan-U.S. forces realignment plan aimed at reducing the southern island prefecture’s base-hosting burden.
IRAN THREAT
FIGHTING WITH BOTH HANDS TIED BEHIND ITS BACK BY BIDEN. Navy faces most intense running sea battle since WWII with Houthis. The Navy prepared for decades to potentially fight the USSR, then later Russia and China. But now the Navy finds itself locked in combat with a shadowy, Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen.
Iraqi militias target KFC, other US businesses to protest Gaza war. The elite Iraqi counterterrorism force that helped vanquish the Islamic State is back patrolling the streets of Baghdad — but this time to protect U.S. restaurant franchises from vandals angry over the Gaza war. (RELATED: Iranian Regime Thanks US College Students For Supporting Hamas)
RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR
NATO approves plan to speed reliable long-term aid and training to Ukraine’s armed forces. This, after delays in Western deliveries of funds, arms and ammunition helped invading Russian forces to seize the initiative on the battlefield.
Sweden says Russian military jet violated airspace. Swedish fighters intercepted the Russian military aircraft after it violated Sweden’s airspace on Friday east of the Baltic island of Gotland.
BUT DOES THE MINIMUM TO ACHIEVE IT – US supports ‘a just and lasting peace’ for Ukraine, Harris tells Zelenskyy at Swiss summit.
Here’s why Ukraine should seek peace. After more than two years of death and destruction: Russia will not achieve its imperial conquest of Ukraine, and Ukraine will most certainly not be able to regain control of all the territory occupied by Russia.
Short on troops, Ukraine is freeing criminals to fight. To fill a critical shortage of infantry on the front line, Ukraine has embraced one of Russia’s most cynical tactics: releasing convicted — even violent — felons who agree to fight in high-risk assault brigades.
Will Russia’s navy get the 50 warships it expects this year? If it does, this would be far more than the 32 received last year.
CHINA THREAT
China furiously expanding its nuclear arsenal. according to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). (RELATED: Trump Will Focus US On China Threat, Let Europe Handle Russia)
DOD establishes joint task force on Guam, region’s first 2-star command in decades. This, as it moves to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
THEN THEY SHOULDN’T! – US-built Gaza pier’s latest challenge: Will UN continue aid delivery? The UN is deciding if it can safely and ethically keep delivering supplies arriving by the U.S. sea route.
Demand for tanks is bubbling up in Eastern Europe. Observing the war in Ukraine, several Eastern European allies are aiming to buy new tanks after years of neglect in this capability area.
US MILITARY
I WOULD EXPAND IT TO CHRISTIAN WHITE MEN – The Army’s recruiting problem is male. The issue is convincing men to put on the uniform.
An Army Special Forces veteran creates American flags that don’t burn. In many ways, Kyle Daniels is your typical Midwestern American. He grew up in a patriotic household, many of his family members joined the military, and his father was very meticulous about flag etiquette — especially compared to your average American.
US Army names air defense system after soldier killed in Vietnam. On March 12, 1970, Sgt. Mitchell William Stout grabbed an enemy grenade thrown into his bunker and used his body to shield the blast from his fellow soldiers. Now the service’s new Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system will take his name. (RELATED: Explosive Scare At Military Base Prompts Lockdown)
END of PDB
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
READ NEXT: State’s Top Dem Indicted On Shocking Organized Crime Charges!
Paul Crespo
Paul Crespo is the Managing Editor of American Liberty Defense News. As a Marine Corps officer, he led Marines, served aboard ships in the Pacific and jumped from helicopters and airplanes. He was also a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at U.S. embassies worldwide. He later ran for state and federal office, taught political science, wrote for the editorial board of a major newspaper and had his own radio show. A graduate of Georgetown, London and Cambridge universities, he brings decades of experience and insight to the issues that most threaten our American liberty – at home and from abroad. To read more go to: paulcrespo.com.
Paul Crespo
Paul Crespo is the Managing Editor of American Liberty Defense News. As a Marine Corps officer, he led Marines, served aboard ships in the Pacific and jumped from helicopters and airplanes. He was also a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at U.S. embassies worldwide. He later ran for state and federal office, taught political science, wrote for the editorial board of a major newspaper and had his own radio show. A graduate of Georgetown, London and Cambridge universities, he brings decades of experience and insight to the issues that most threaten our American liberty – at home and from abroad. To read more go to: paulcrespo.com.
Treasury Secretary Clarifies Threat Against Bill Pulte
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At American Liberty News, we eschew the mainstream media’s tightly controlled narrative to provide our readers with real news, real insights, and the means to take action. We seek out insightful coverage – and partner with knowledgeable and experienced people and organizations to bring you the information and insight our readers demand.
We humbly seek to provide the tools and information necessary for our readers to decide for themselves what is true and what is right.
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