UMVA has learned that a heated congressional hearing took place on Thursday, where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., clashed over a DOJ settlement that shields President Donald Trump and his family from IRS tax audits.
The tense exchange began when Sánchez pressed Bessent about the settlement, which was reached in May and forces the IRS to end any existing tax audits of Trump, his family, and their business interests. Sánchez accused Bessent of overseeing the "most corrupt Treasury Department" in U.S. history, sparking a sharp rebuke from the secretary.
"I hope that you're proud of your performance today, Mr. Secretary," Sánchez told Bessent as he testified before the House Ways and Means Committee. Bessent shot back, "I hope you get some social media clips," setting the tone for a contentious back-and-forth.
Sánchez demanded to know why Bessent was allowing Trump and his family to have complete immunity from being audited, but Bessent deflected, citing the role of the Justice Department and the acting attorney general in representing the U.S. Treasury and the IRS.
The clash highlighted a broader fight over executive power and its intersection with federal agencies, personal finances, and politically charged investigations. Democrats warned of special treatment for Trump, while the administration framed the issue as a response to institutional overreach.
The exchange only intensified, with Bessent questioning whether Trump is currently facing any audits and Sánchez responding, "Excuse me? It's my time. You're not here to ask me questions. I'm here to ask you questions."
Sánchez pressed Bessent for details on who counts as Trump's family for the purposes of this immunity, but he referred her to the Justice Department. The congresswoman ultimately accused Bessent of running the "most corrupt Treasury Department," prompting Bessent to label her claims "slanderous."
Critics have questioned the DOJ's authority to bind the IRS and accused Trump of pressuring the government for personal gain. The state of the Trump family's immunity remains uncertain, with Bessent declining to comment on whether the deal is still in place due to pending litigation.
