Trump's Treasury Secretary Shortlist Grows: Two More Candidates Emerge

As President-elect Donald Trump continues to assemble his administration, the race for the Treasury Secretary position has heated up, with two more prominent figures joining the shortlist. The New York Times reports that Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick have emerged as front-runners for the coveted post, joining a growing list of contenders vying to lead the Treasury Department during Trump's second term.

Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and economic advisor to Trump's campaign, has gained traction as a potential Treasury Secretary. With a strong background in bond and currency markets, Bessent's expertise could be crucial in navigating potential blowback from the financial world. However, some of Trump's advisers have reportedly pushed back against Bessent, suggesting he has been insufficiently supportive of the president-elect's tariff policies. If appointed, Bessent's views on trade and tariffs could significantly impact Trump's proposed aggressive new tariffs and trade policy shifts.

Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trump's transition team, has also emerged as a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. Lutnick's public embrace of Trump's tariff plans and support for cryptocurrencies have endeared him to many within the crypto space. His aggressive stance on trade and cryptocurrencies could lead to market volatility and increased scrutiny on international trade policies. However, Lutnick's financial sector experience could help stabilize markets during economic uncertainty.

The extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a central issue for the next Congress, could be significantly influenced by the appointment of either Bessent or Lutnick. With Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, Trump is poised to secure an extension of the tax law. However, the tax law could spark an intraparty battle in the GOP between those in favor of further cutting taxes and those concerned about expanding the deficit. An extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is estimated to cost $4.6 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Bessent, with his Wall Street background, might be more inclined to support further tax cuts, potentially exacerbating deficit concerns. Lutnick, however, could be more open to compromise, considering the estimated cost of extending the tax law.



In conclusion, the race for the Treasury Secretary position has become increasingly competitive, with Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick joining the shortlist. Their differing views on trade, tariffs, and taxes could significantly impact Trump's economic policies and the financial markets. As the administration takes shape, investors will be closely watching these developments, as they could have far-reaching implications for the economy and the stock market.