It seems that humor has become a rare commodity in the halls of Congress, particularly among some Democrats who appear increasingly unable to appreciate the lighter side of political discourse. During a recent House hearing, one congressman showcased this trend rather dramatically.
As reported by , Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was called to testify before the House Financial Services Committee on the current state of the international financial system. This hearing precedes high-stakes discussions scheduled with a Chinese delegation in Geneva, marking the first significant talks since President Trump implemented substantial tariffs on Chinese goods.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), perhaps seeking to impart some wisdom, took the opportunity to deliver what he deemed a ‘history lesson’ on America’s trade deficits, suggesting that these have not constituted a national emergency. It seems he regards the slow erosion of America’s manufacturing base over decades as a mere footnote in the annals of economic history.
“For four decades, we have had trade deficits in America, and no one said it was an emergency,” Meeks asserted emphatically. “Both Democratic and Republican presidents… It hasn’t been an emergency for four decades!”
He then suggested that tariffs should be reinstated by Congress, as stipulated in the Constitution, rather than circumvented by executive action. “It’s just unbelievable to me!” he exclaimed, as if the very foundations of American governance were at stake.
In an effort to bolster his argument and perhaps put Bessent on the defensive, Meeks posed a couple of pointed questions. “Who has been the President since January 2025?” he asked, to which Bessent responded with calm assurance. Then came the supposed trap: “Who was the president in 2024?”
However, in a deft display of wit, Bessent replied, “One believes President Biden,” eliciting a mixture of laughter and incredulity from the audience.
While Bessent was fully aware that Biden occupied the Oval Office in 2024, his comment seemed designed to provoke Meeks and to subtly remind the public of Biden’s occasional lapses in cognitive clarity.
Meeks, unable to grasp the humor, reacted with visible agitation. “One believes?!” he exclaimed. “You one of those non-believers?”
“I am not,” Bessent replied, maintaining his good-natured demeanor.
“You’re not? You said one believes!” Meeks shouted, escalating the tension. “Do you believe in the Constitution of the United States?”
“I believe in the Constitution of the United States,” Bessent affirmed, seemingly unperturbed.
Meeks continued, “So you believe in it without ANY SECOND THOUGHT?!”
“And you will abide by it. Is that correct?”
“I have and I do, sir,” Bessent concluded, perhaps relieved to escape the whirlwind of Meeks’ theatrics.
