Meet the Press Jan. 18 — Sec. Scott Bessent, Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Tim Kaine and Mayor Jacob Frey
12 snips
Jan 18, 2026 
Scott Bessent, former Treasury Secretary, dives into the geopolitical implications of President Trump’s tariff threats concerning Greenland, arguing that U.S. control is crucial to counter Russia and China. U.S. Senators Rand Paul and Tim Kaine offer bipartisan insights on limiting presidential military power, discussing their near victory regarding Venezuela and the constitutionality of emergency tariffs. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addresses a DOJ investigation into his actions amid rising tensions, arguing against federal escalation and urging for peaceful protest.
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Oversight Versus Fed Independence
- Bessent defends Treasury urging oversight of the Fed while insisting on central bank independence with sunlight.
- He claims market reaction shows the investigation didn't unmoor confidence in monetary policy.
Use Congress To Force Transparency
- Tim Kaine urges Congress to use resolutions and hearings to check secretive military actions.
- He recommends bipartisan pressure to force transparency from the administration.
Emergency Powers Under Legal Strain
- Rand Paul calls presidential tariff threats an unconstitutional overreach of emergency powers.
- He urges the Supreme Court to rule quickly to curb expansive emergency authority.
