Trump picks hedge fund manager Bessent for Treasury, Project 2025 architect Vought for budget

NEWS WIRES

23 November 2024 at 2:44 am·1-min read

Scott Bessent attends a Donald Trump rally on August 14, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday nominated billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as his new Treasury secretary. He also named Russel Vought as his new budget chief, and Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general among a string of new nominations. Vought is one of the key architects of Project 2024, the right-wing plan to overhaul the government, and Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who contributes to Fox News.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that he’ll nominate hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary.

Trump also said he would nominate Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position Vought held during Trump’s first presidency. Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign.

The announcements showed how Trump was fleshing out the financial side of his new administration. Although Bessent is closely aligned with Wall Street and could earn bipartisan support, Vought is known as a Republican hardliner.

Trump said Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States,” while Vought “knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government.”

Bessent and Vought were only two of several personnel decisions that Trump disclosed Friday evening.

He told Bloomberg in August that attacking the U.S. national debt should be a priority, which includes slashing government programs and other spending.

Australian Associated Press
Woodside gas project given WA environmental approval
After six years of assessment and hundreds of appeals against it, a massive Woodside gas project has been given WA environmental approval to operate until 2070.
Australian Associated Press
Crawford heats up as JackJumpers crush Fall's Breakers
Tasmania sharpshooter Jordon Crawford has nailed 22 points in the first half against the NZ Breakers to lead the JackJumpers to their fifth straight win.
Australian Associated Press
Youth offenders now face 'adult crime, adult time' laws
A controversial "adult crime, adult time" election pledge has become law after tough youth justice legislation was passed in Queensland parliament.
Australian Associated Press
Rape-accused rapper facing reckless driving charge
A UK YouTube star and rapper has been charged with hoon driving while on bail accused of raping and choking a woman in a hotel room.
Australian Associated Press
Bumrah bowls as skipper Rohit offers hint of opening
India's strike weapon Jasprit Bumrah got through 30 minutes of bowling unscathed in Brisbane, while Rohit Sharma showed signs he could open the batting.
Australian Associated Press
Local players union blasts Saudi World Cup 2034 rights
Human rights groups as well as Australia's professional soccer union have criticised FIFA's confirmation of Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts.
Australian Associated Press
Hazlewood survives crucial off-site net session
Josh Hazlewood has enhanced his chances of playing in the third Test against India at the Gabba, while Mitch Marsh is confident he is back bowling uninhibited.
Australian Associated Press
New Zealand overturns ban on US conservative firebrand
Candace Owens is free to enter New Zealand after the government overturned a ban on the US conservative commentator entering the country for a speaking tour.
Australian Associated Press
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.
Australian Associated Press
Bulldogs $6m abuse payout slashed, but verdict upheld
A man abused by a Bulldogs volunteer as a child has had his almost-$6 million payout from the AFL club more than halved, but his lawyers say it is still a win.
Australian Associated Press
Sevens stars join Super Rugby to push World Cup claims
The Wallaroos could be boosted by some strike power, with superstar Maddison Levi among nine sevens players looking to play in the 15-a-side World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
Tim Tszyu brushes Zerafa to chase world titles
Tim Tszyu isn't giving up on his dream of making the boxing big time and says a fight with Australian rival Michael Zerafa isn't part of his plans.
Australian Associated Press
Alleged police killing of fugitive 'complete nonsense'
An inquest is examining the death of a wanted man whose body was found in a burnt-out car following a police pursuit in bushland.
Australian Associated Press
No pants, no problem: MP cleared over night parly visit
An ethics committee has cleared an MP and security staff over a late-night entry to parliament but raised concern about how the public found out about it.
Australian Associated Press
Push to strengthen hate crime laws and tackle threats
The government should make it an offence to threaten marginalised Australians and set up a national database to help combat hate crimes, a committee recommends.
Australian Associated Press
'We want an arrest': new push over exhumed teen's death
His grave has been dug up and fresh evidence handed over, but the battle by the family of Lewis Kelly for justice for the Indigenous teen continues.
Australian Associated Press
Five charged over alleged gang-related shooting
Organised crime detectives have charged five men over a shooting that occurred just blocks from the prime minister's residence.
Australian Associated Press
Liberal leader to 'keep fighting' after defamation loss
State Liberal leader John Pesutto is vowing to remain in his role, even after a Federal Court judge found he defamed expelled state MP Moira Deeming.
Australian Associated Press
Daniels' Hawks, Landale's Rockets off to NBA Cup semis
The Atlanta Hawks have set up an NBA Cup semi-final clash with the Milwaukee Bucks after beating the New York Knicks, while Houston have stunned the Warriors.
Australian Associated Press
Kyrgios can shine on Australian Open return: Kokkinakis
Thanasi Kokkinakis is adamant Nick Kyrgios can impress on his Australian Open return, but the pair are not guaranteed to revisit their 2022 doubles heroics.

Latest stories