California Rep Judy Chu’s Surprising Answer to Scott Bessent’s Question About WWI President

In a heated exchange on Thursday, California Democratic Representative Judy Chu clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Iran conflict, yet found herself momentarily stumped when questioned about the U.S. president during World War I.

The confrontation occurred during a House Ways and Means Committee session focused on reviewing the Trump administration’s fiscal strategies. Chu aimed to challenge Bessent on an earlier statement made by the Republican president, implying a disregard for the financial well-being of American citizens amid the war-ending negotiations.

“Do you align with President Trump’s stance of overlooking Americans’ financial conditions?” Chu queried, while an aide displayed a sign highlighting price hikes linked to the U.S. involvement in Iran.

Bessent countered with a straightforward question: “Who was the president during World War I?”

Chu appeared taken aback, pausing briefly before responding. “Are you avoiding my question?” she retorted.

Bessent said he wasn’t and then repeated his question.

“I don’t know,” the congresswoman admitted.

The two then start speaking over each other as Bessent attempted to explain why he asked that question.

Bessent brought up Woodrow Wilson, he said, because much like the US entry into World War I, the Trump administration’s actions are motivated by long-term security.

In fact, Trump had explained to Fox News days after his remark that with negotiations, his sole focus is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“I can tell you, Americans’ financial situation would be devastated if Iran got a nuclear weapon and there was a permanent, permanent shutdown of the flow of energy out of the Middle East,” Bessent said.

Secretary Bessent flatly stated that Trump does care about the financial woes of US citizens. Even then, Chu insisted that wasn’t true, but Bessent dismissed the attack as Trump’s remarks being taken out of context.

The two later continue trying to speak over each other at points as Bessent attempted to say that the Wilson administration probably made a similar judgment in entering World War I.

Chu continued her attack on Bessent as a billionaire who couldn’t understand how everyday people were struggling. The secretary countered with examples of costs of certain goods seeing improvement.

“You’re entitled to your opinion, not your own facts,” Bessent said at the end of the exchange.

US inflation increased at its fastest pace in three years in April, driven by higher energy prices amid the war with Iran, which has restricted the flow of the global oil supply.

However, California’s economic policies have also exacerbated the cost of living, which Bessent pointed out.

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