Fact-Check Summary
Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, did write a Washington Post opinion piece calling for the end of the Senate filibuster. His arguments rest on key factual points: the filibuster does not appear in the U.S. Constitution, was introduced as a result of changes in Senate procedure in 1806, and currently requires 60 votes for cloture. Bessent accurately referenced the 43-day government shutdown (the longest in history), and Independent sources confirm his claim of a 1.5% reduction in GDP growth during that period. However, his statements about Democrats “holding the government hostage” are more interpretive, and his economic forecasts for 2026 are projections rather than established facts.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The post forwarding Bessent’s op-ed for ending the filibuster is generally aligned with democratic principles of open, fact-based debate. Bessent’s critique is grounded in historical and factual evidence rather than overtly divisive rhetoric, and he advocates procedural change through constitutional and legislative means. While his language in describing political opponents’ tactics (e.g., “holding the government hostage”) is partisan, the overall thrust of the piece supports constructive reform rather than undermining institutions or promoting exclusion.
Opinion
Bessent’s push to end the filibuster is factually supported with accurate references to its non-constitutional origin and history. The policy debate over its termination remains complex, and while his criticisms of Democratic tactics reflect partisan interpretation, his argumentation largely upholds standards of good faith civic discourse. The rhetoric occasionally tips into partisan framing, but does not fundamentally undermine democratic values.
TLDR
Bessent’s call to end the filibuster is based on solid historical facts, accurate reporting on the Senate shutdown’s duration and impact, and grounded economic analysis. His conclusions involve some interpretive and predictive elements, but there are no substantial factual distortions or hostile rhetoric present in the content fact-checked here.
Claim: Scott Bessent called for the end of the Senate filibuster, describing its origins and the damage caused by the 2025 shutdown.
Fact: Bessent did write an op-ed advocating to end the filibuster, accurately described its procedural history, and made verifiable claims about the shutdown’s duration and economic impact.
Opinion: The post’s conclusions about motives and future outcomes are partly speculative and employ some partisan framing but are rooted in established facts and legitimate policy debate.
TruthScore: 9
True: Bessent’s description of the filibuster’s history, its constitutional standing, and shutdown facts.
Hyperbole: Characterizing Democrats as “holding the government hostage” and some predictive claims about future economic outcomes.
Lies: None identified in the factual claims.