Yale Alumni Urge Treasury Secretary Bessent to Reflect on Trump Administration's Actions

Over 140 alumni from the class of 1984 at Yale University have penned an open letter to their former classmate, current U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, expressing grave concerns about his role in the Trump administration. The letter, initiated by Bessent's Yale classmates, warns that his involvement could be contributing to the transformation of the United States into an authoritarian state, and even holds him accountable for the potential descent into fascism.

The letter, signed by individuals from various professions including lawyers, CEOs, journalists, scholars, and farmers, highlights several concerns about the Trump administration's actions. These include the potential for power grabs, suppression of dissent, and conflicts of interest. The signatories urge Bessent to carefully consider his role within the administration and the potential consequences of his actions.

The letter specifically mentions several instances of concern, such as the administration's alleged attempts to seize power from the judicial and legislative branches. It also raises questions about the granting of extensive data access to billionaire Elon Musk and his associates, and the suppression of independent media and dissenting voices. Additionally, the letter questions the legality of the administration's immigration policies and the potential conflicts of interest involving the Trump family's investments in meme coins and the Trump Media and Technology Group.

In response to the letter, Bessent issued a strong rebuttal, dismissing the critics as "keyboard warriors" and stating that serving in the Trump administration is "the honor of a lifetime." He criticized the signatories for their lack of personal involvement and suggested that they should engage more actively in the political process rather than hiding behind their keyboards. Bessent also referenced a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, positioning himself and Trump as doers rather than critics.

The letter's co-author, Catherine Teegarden, revealed that a similar letter was sent to the Treasury Department in March but received no response. The public letter was an attempt to amplify their voices and address the sense of helplessness felt by many alumni regarding the current state of the country. Teegarden emphasized that the goal was not to demand Bessent's resignation but to encourage him to reflect on his principles and the potential consequences of his actions.

The letter echoes a previous one sent in 2017 by over 350 Yale alumni to then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging him to resign due to Trump's controversial statements following the Charlottesville violence. Mnuchin also refused to step down.

David Kallick, a signatory and director of an immigration research institute, expressed deep concerns about the erosion of due process and constitutional protections, warning of a real risk of sliding into an authoritarian regime. Hank Copeland, another signatory and tech company executive, noted that while the letter might have limited impact, it serves as a symbolic reminder of what they stand for.

Teegarden acknowledged that not all alumni were willing to sign the letter due to fears of potential retaliation. The letter aims to plant a seed of concern in Bessent's mind, encouraging him to reflect on why he might be compromising his principles. The signatories hope that this letter will serve as a catalyst for Bessent to become a voice of reason within the administration, standing up for justice and the principles of the U.S. Constitution.