Scott Bessent has made history with his recent appointment and confirmation as the Treasury Secretary of the United States, positioning him as the highest-ranking openly gay official in the nation's history. His confirmation marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first LGBTQ+ person to have his signature on United States dollar bills.
Bessent's rise within the government reflects an increasing visibility of LGBTQ individuals at high levels of governance. He is only the second openly LGBTQ member of a President's cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate, the first being Pete Buttigieg, who took on the role of Transportation Secretary under President Joe Biden in early 2021.
Beyond his government role, Bessent has a history of political engagement dating back to the 2000 presidential campaign, during which he hosted a fundraiser for Al Gore. His financial contributions have spanned various political figures and movements; notably, he has also donated to Democratic campaigns led by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Interestingly, in 2016, Bessent contributed $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural committee, showcasing a diverse political portfolio.
In his personal life, Bessent resides in Charleston, South Carolina, with his husband, John Freeman. Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor, and Bessent share two children, a teenage son named Cole and his younger sister Caroline, both conceived through surrogacy.
Their family home, referred to as the John Ravenel house, has garnered attention not only for its historic significance but also for its extensive renovations, which restored many original architectural details. The Charleston Preservation Society praised this transformation, awarding it in 2021 for excellence in preservation efforts. Following its renovation, the property, affectionately nicknamed the Pink Palace, has recently been placed on the market for sale, emphasising its appeal in the historic Charleston area.
Source: Noah Wire Services