Fox Business anchor Dagen McDowell isn’t holding back, calling out the White House on Wednesday for an alleged lack of transparency and accusing officials of ignoring her requests to discuss the economy amid ongoing market volatility.
During a segment on The Big Money Show, McDowell criticized the Trump administration, specifically Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, for declining invitations to appear on her program while making time for other networks. She called the lack of engagement “shameful,” emphasizing that Bessent has spoken on lower-rated shows but has not responded to her team’s outreach.
Speaking bluntly, McDowell criticized members of President Trump’s inner circle:
“Some of the people in communication at the White House, in the Treasury will not respond to the show trying to talk about this economy. They won’t even answer the show, but Scott Bessent goes on one of the lowest rated shows on another network. I mean, you could open the window and shout out of the window in the middle of New York City.”
“I’ve co-hosted with Sean Duffy before,” the Fox Business anchor added, referencing her past relationship with the Transportation secretary. “So this is even more disappointing.”
Fox Business’ Charles Gasparino pointed out that Bessent recently appeared with Larry Kudlow, another network host. But McDowell insisted that’s not good enough.
“The people who work for the Treasury secretaries need to answer a text message,” she declared, vowing to hold officials accountable. “I’ll air dirty laundry all day because I don’t care.”
McDowell’s frustration comes as President Trump’s trade policies—particularly those involving Canada and Mexico—continue to spark controversy.
Trump has framed his shifting tariff strategy as a measured policy to hold these countries accountable for the spread of contraband drugs, particularly fentanyl, while also citing concerns about illegal immigration and the need to boost domestic manufacturing.
Studies consistently show that most economists view tariffs as more harmful than beneficial to the U.S. economy.
A March 2018 Reuters survey found that nearly 80% of economists believed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would negatively impact the economy, while none anticipated any benefits.
A Broader Battle Over Transparency
McDowell’s push for engagement underscores broader tensions between media figures and government officials over access and accountability. As economic uncertainty lingers, the demand for clear, open communication between the White House and the press is likely to intensify.
So, what do you think? Is the Trump administration effectively explaining why the president is imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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If she can do a better job let her at it.She appears to always be shrill and negative even a little vile/Not sure I would be meanable to an interview————
You don’t understand politics and negotiation.
Trump isn’t looking to gain from a tariff. He is just throwing a blow and planing on it hurting the opponent more then him. When you enter a boxing arena you don’t expect that your opponent will never hit you, you just plan on hitting him more often and hurting him more so that he quits.
Notice how those tariffs don’t last a week because what trump wants is to get Mexico to send troops to the border…and they did….He just wants Canada to drop its 25% tariff on electricity…… and they did…..He is landing blows and they are backing away. He wants Fentanyl stopped and he is getting it.
I just don’t understand why Canada doesn’t just stop the fentanyl and the tariffs will be dropped. Its the right thing to do and it shouldn’t take threats of tariffs to get it done.
A threat to cut off all aid to Ukraine got that fool Vladimir Zalinski to agree to a cease fire for 30 days and Putin to the negotiating table. ITS not about tariffs, its about carrying the Big Stick Teddy Roosevelt mentioned. You have missed the point altogether!
I frequently watch Varney, which leads into the McDowell-dominated Big Money Show. She can be rude and obnoxious, not to mention potty-mouthed, while she continually interrupts the other four panelists, or tries to talk over them. Yeah, that’s HER shtick; but she can be VERY IRRITATING. I don’t blame the White House one damned bit for ignoring her requests/demands. I wouldn’t want to give her an interview either. NO RESPECT!
P. S. Tell McDowell that President Trump does NOT react favorably to threats or insults.
It’s the art of making a deal! Nobody is better at it than Trump! Leave the man alone & let him do his job! This country needs to be ran like a business, not a you scratch my back & I’ll scratch yours! Especially my tax dollars going to crap and in the pockets of elected officials.
Degan McDowell, Sounds to me like you want to criticize people for your opinion on tariffs, do you think the almost 300% tariffs Canada charges us on dairy products helps us? And if you want to air dirty laundry go ahead and do it, threats make you look kinda small.
Not sure why #DeganMcDowell thinks the administration needs to jump to her beck and call. Having a hissy fit may not be the avenue to follow to get her way. Is there a rule that responding to a text or answering the phone is required? Seems to be self-aggrandizing behavior. How about just be supportive and part of the solution instead of being a problem. Patience is a virtue.