CNN Politics State of the Union: Interviews with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Sen. John Fetterman
Nov 2, 2025
Scott Bessent, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, discusses critical economic issues like SNAP funding, tariffs on Canada, and U.S.-China trade relations. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries addresses the government shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits and the Democrats’ strategy amid the crisis, urging bipartisan cooperation. Senator John Fetterman shares his concerns about the shutdown, contending that Democrats share responsibility and highlighting the hardships faced by federal workers. A lively wrap-up includes an insight into upcoming elections and voter dynamics.
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SNAP Ruling Forces Short-Term Choice
- The SNAP court rulings require the administration to use contingency funds or otherwise ensure benefits reach recipients by Wednesday.
- Scott Bessent framed reopening the government as the simpler political route to restore benefits than unilateral use of contingency funds.
Reopen Government To Restore Benefits
- Reopen the government to restore SNAP immediately, Bessent argued, urging five Democrats to cross the aisle.
- He recommended using the political path of passing funding rather than waiting on court processes.
China Summit Aims To De-Risk Supply Chains
- Bessent portrayed the China summit as increasing U.S. leverage on rare earths and supply chains.
- He said the administration aims to 'de-risk' from China while rallying allies to build alternative supply chains.