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.
Hezbollah says it’s using new weapons in battles with Israeli troops. The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group said the new weapons include a missile with a heavy warhead, adding that they will keep using the fighting along the Lebanon-Israel border to pressure Israel.
UN refugee agency to shut down all operations in Gaza ‘in 48 hours’ unless fuel allowed in. The Israeli military says it supplied 300 liters overnight to Dar al-Shifa hospital, but staff were prevented by Hamas from collecting it. Israel also claims that Hamas has built its headquarters in bunkers and tunnels under the hospital, effectively using the building, patients, and staff as a human shield.
US, Japan navies stage aircraft carrier meetup in Western Pacific. Two U.S. aircraft carriers joined up with a Japanese helicopter-destroyer for an exercise in the Philippine Sea over the weekend, a gathering meant to show the two allies’ ability to quickly mass forces during crises.
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.
Biden Weakness Encourages Iranian Attacks On US Forces
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 – Pentagon declassifies video of Syria airstrike as attacks on US continue. Iranian-backed militias have continued to attack American forces despite the recent U.S. airstrike that was carried out in eastern Syria.
IRAN DOESN’T CARE BECAUSE IT’S A WEAK U.S. RESPONSE.
MEANWHILE – Number of troops injured in drone attacks jumps to 56. This, since drone attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria began escalating in mid-October.
THIS NUMBER WILL ONLY GROW AND THEN SOME AMERICANS WILL BE KILLED.
US shuffles prized Patriot missile-defense systems amid Mideast turmoil. The threat from Iran-backed militia groups has prompted the Pentagon to move more of the systems into the region.
STOP PLAYING DEFENSE ONLY.
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:
HAPPY BELATED VETERANS DAY AND MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY!
ISRAEL’S WAR AGAINST HAMAS TERROR
Israel announces first Arrow-3 operational intercept. Israeli forces have intercepted a long-range ballistic missile over the Red Sea region using the Arrow 3 air defense system.
Satellite photos show tough campaign as Israel pushed into Gaza. Israeli troops have pushed into Gaza City along a key coastal road on the Mediterranean Sea as part of their war on Hamas.
Hezbollah says it’s using new weapons in battles with Israeli troops. The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group said the new weapons include a missile with a heavy warhead, adding that they will keep using the fighting along the Lebanon-Israel border to pressure Israel.
UN refugee agency to shut down all operations in Gaza ‘in 48 hours’ unless fuel allowed in. The Israeli military says it supplied 300 liters overnight to Dar al-Shifa hospital, but staff were prevented by Hamas from collecting it. Israel also claims that Hamas has built its headquarters in bunkers and tunnels under the hospital, effectively using the building, patients, and staff as a human shield.
US SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
Why POTUS would need authorization to fight against Hezbollah. Understand the recent GOP draft of military authorization and why the U.S. would need it to intervene against Hezbollah.
US leaders share urban warfare experience with Israel. U.S. military leadership shares hard-won lessons gained from years of urban warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan with Israel as the conflict in Gaza heats up.
POLITICS
BUT HE’S TRYING TO TURN US INTO WOKE MARSHMALLOWS – Biden says America’s veterans are ‘the steel spine of this nation.’ Joe Biden marked Veterans Day with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Training for the return of trench warfare. With the war in Ukraine proving trench-to-trench battles are not a relic, NATO troops prepare for the grueling form of war.
RECRUIT WARRIORS, NOT MARSHMALLOWS – Mental health evacuations for deployed US troops are on the rise. In 2022, 38.8% of evacuations from Central Command were mental health-related, compared to 33.5% in 2021 and 27.2% in 2020.
FIX THIS – National Guard members fight to have injuries recognized and covered: “Nobody’s listening.” Nearly half a million Americans serve in the National Guard, with more than 40,000 engaged in missions around the world.
CHINA THREAT
Chinese ships chase Philippine vessels in South China Sea. China has stood by its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, clashing with its neighbors and drawing in the U.S., Manila’s treaty ally.
Japan delivers radar to Philippines amid tension in South China Sea. The Philippines has received a surveillance radar system from Japan as part of the first major equipment transfer since the Japanese government lifted its post-war defense export ban in 2014.
US, Japan navies stage aircraft carrier meetup in Western Pacific. Two U.S. aircraft carriers joined up with a Japanese helicopter-destroyer for an exercise in the Philippine Sea over the weekend, a gathering meant to show the two allies’ ability to quickly mass forces during crises.
MORE LIKE ‘DESPERATE’ – Joint Chiefs chairman hopeful about resuming military talks with China. Gen. CQ Brown says he has conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart, and that he’s “hopeful.”
RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR
How Ukraine, with no warships, is thwarting Russia’s navy. The commander of Ukraine’s Navy said in a rare interview that the Russian naval blockade of Odesa had been broken.
Rheinmetall to deliver 100,000 rounds of mortar ammunition to Ukraine. The German arms manufacturer’s mortar ammunition is part of the German government’s military support for Ukraine.
SPACE THREAT
Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane is going back in orbit. The space plane’s seventh mission will launch using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
US MILITARY
GOD BLESS AND RIP, FELLOW WARRIORS – Five US troops killed in military aircraft crash in Mediterranean Sea. The crew was conducting a “routine air refueling mission” during a training sortie when their aircraft suffered a mishap, the military said Sunday.
Nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, takes first test flight. The ‘flying wing’ took its first test flight on Friday, moving the futuristic warplane closer to becoming the nation’s next nuclear weapons stealth bomber.
US Navy eyes two-submarine delivery rate in 2024 after schedule setback. The Navy and the submarine sector hope they can begin reliably delivering two attack submarines annually next year, following work disruptions that threw off plans to do so this year.
Unpublished study finds elevated cancer rates at US Marine base. Cancer and mortality studies conducted by a U.S. health agency have found elevated cancer rates in military and civilian personnel who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune.
PODCAST: Psychedelics may be key to ‘revolutionize’ PTSD treatment. Research is underway to determine whether psychedelic assisted therapies could help veterans who suffer from a range of mental health issues.
HAPPY B-DAY GENERAL – GET BACK SOON! – Top Marine, recovering from cardiac arrest, plans to return to work. Gen. Eric Smith signaled his desire to resume the commandant job when he can and wished Marines a happy birthday.
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: US Gave Ukraine Ammunition Seized From Iranian Smugglers
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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