Scott Bessent is an American investor and former hedge fund manager who, as of January 28, 2025, serves as the 79th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Donald Trump's administration
. Born on August 21, 1962, he graduated from Yale College in 1984 and has a long career in global investment management, specializing in currency and fixed income
. Bessent was a partner and the head of the London office at Soros Fund Management, where he played a key role in profiting from major financial events such as Black Wednesday in 1992 and currency bets in 2013
. After leaving Soros Fund Management in 2015, he founded Key Square Group, a global macro hedge fund
. He is noted for his political involvement as a major donor and economic advisor to Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, which led to his nomination and confirmation as Treasury Secretary in early 2025
. Bessent is also recognized as the second openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Cabinet and the highest-ranking openly LGBT person in U.S. federal government history due to his position in the presidential line of succession
. In addition to his financial career, Bessent has taught economic history at Yale University and is known for his expertise in macroeconomic trends and international finance
. As Treasury Secretary, he oversees U.S. economic policy, government finances, and national security related to economic threats
. He is married to John Vrijman, a former New York City prosecutor, and they have two children
. In summary, Scott Bessent is a seasoned financial expert and public official who transitioned from hedge fund management to a key governmental role as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury in 2025
