Bessent: The Most Dangerous Man in Trump’s Cabinet?
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Key Takeaways
- Bessent’s approval jumped past 46% following good news on IRS revenue, despite DOGE cuts and media criticism.
- IRS modernization has become the unexpected catalyst for Bessent’s emergence from the background of the administration to a reformist figure.
- Online discourse frames Bessent as a disciplined, culturally resonant model of conservative governance—calculated, capable, and ascendant.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
13,600
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
3 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is beginning to overcome early skepticism about his IRS downsizing to full-throated approval following Treasury revenue gains. Many conservatives see Bessent’s results as a proof-of-concept for technocratic reform within a MAGA framework.
Critics of @POTUS’ efforts to modernize the IRS warned that the effort would result in a 10% shortfall in receipts.
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 11, 2025
Instead, the opposite happened.
April receipts this year were up 9.5% over the previous year. And receipts in May were up 14.7% over the previous year.
Most… pic.twitter.com/08OUqRDolj
Public sentiment toward Bessent is increasing with positive news this week, despite criticism from Democrats. He has become a policy executor as well as a cultural symbol perceived as smart, non-performative, and politically effective.
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Voter Sentiment Trends
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MIG Reports data shows Bessent's approval trajectory is on the rise:
- In the last three days, public sentiment has increased from 42% to 47%.
- Discussions around taxation, Trump’s Cabinet, and monetary policy all hover around 45%.
- In the last week, top discussion topics mentioning Bessent include Trump’s Cabinet, fiscal policy, trade, and taxation.
- Sentiment in his top eight topics are all above 40%.
Even with confrontations during Bessent's House testimony on Treasury priorities, many voters criticize Democrats like Del. Stacey Plaskett.
Excuse you!! This twat, cunt, pum pum whatever you want to call it represents an organ that gives LIFE and is resilienr so thanks for the compliment. I can take one interruption but Bessent was out of control. And…. I know I look good for my age but baby I’m post menopausal and… https://t.co/04jSJPVknP
— Rep. Stacey Plaskett (@StaceyPlaskett) June 11, 2025
Narrative and Meme Realignment
Narrative Control Flip
In recent online discussions among Democrats and those on the left, sentiment skews negative. They criticize how Bessent is handling the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), fearing IRS layoffs would cripple revenue enforcement. Those themes peaked around June 6 but are eroding with Bessent's announcement showing strong revenue returns.
Bessent’s supporters now tout the Treasury’s release of April (+9.5%) and May (+14.7%) tax revenue growth, using it to pivot from “reckless” to “reformer.” Even Axios coverage accelerates the narrative shift, with the headline framing Bessent as “delivering results under pressure.” The positivity is particularly strong among fiscal conservatives. They see Bessent as competent and making conservative governance work.
Meme Culture and Linguistic Tone
Meme trends provide a further window into cultural repositioning. Earlier sarcastic slogans such as “One Big Beautiful Scam” and “Budget Axe Barbie” have been overtaken by celebratory or taunting phrases like:
- “Audit This”
- “Receipts > Rhetoric”
- “He Bessented Them”
- “Fewer Agents, More Money”
These shifts bolster Bessent’s persona online, evolving from faceless functionary to cultural weapon. Linguistically, the use of assertive verbs like “delivered,” “dismantled,” “restructured” now dominate supportive discussion.
Policy Substance Driving Approval
IRS Modernization and the Revenue Windfall
The Trump administration’s IRS overhaul is the keystone of Bessent’s rising credibility. While the political left forecasted disaster following mass IRS staffing cuts, the Treasury’s May receipts show robust growth. Bessent’s claim—that AI-assisted auditing and tech upgrades would outperform headcount expansion—is being validated in both numerical and narrative terms.
His June testimony before the House further solidifies support. When Bessent stated, “We don’t need 87,000 agents—we need smart enforcement,” it was immediately clipped and memed, especially across Trump-aligned audiences.
One Big Beautiful Bill
Trump’s BBB remains divisive. The bill’s failure to remove taxes on Social Security and tips generated early backlash. But online rhetoric has cooled. Supporters see the BBB as “a tactical half-measure” or “first phase reform,” using it as justification for continued support rather than a dealbreaker.
Debt Limit Messaging Advantage
Bessent’s revenue success pushes the X-date further into the summer, giving the administration some budgetary breathing room. Internal discourse in conservative financial circles describes Bessent as a “calm strategist.” The delay itself becomes part of the approval surge—a signal that Treasury is under control.
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Cultural and Symbolic Role
Bessent is now positioned as an anti-DEI success story. Right-leaning voters increasingly cite him as an example of how inclusion doesn’t need to be performative to be effective. Many acknowledge his openly gay and financially elite identity status, but argue these characteristics don’t matter. Instead, supporters press for “Merit first, labels last.”
Those who defend Bessent online contrast him with more bombastic or ideologically driven officials. They say things like, “While others are lecturing, Bessent is cashing the checks.” The alleged Musk-Bessent spat, once fodder for criticism, has faded. In its place is a sentiment that perhaps Bessent was right.
Positioning Within the Cabinet and Beyond
The buzz around Bessent’s next move is growing. His name is circulating as a potential Federal Reserve Chair nominee or head of a consolidated economic reform council. His unique appeal—part policy hawk, part anti-bureaucracy operative—makes him a natural fit for continued leadership.
The administration sees him as an asset in the fiscal messaging war. The Trump base sees him as proof that results matter more than showmanship. A strategic elevation could lock in both camps.
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