Rep. Maxine Waters told Treasury nominee Scott Bessent to “shut him up” during a heated congressional debate over economic policy, highlighting deep partisan divides on taxes, regulation, and Wall Street influence.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., drew attention during a congressional hearing by telling Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, “Can you shut him up?” in a heated exchange over economic policy. The moment, which went viral, reflected growing partisan tensions on fiscal responsibility, financial regulation, and the influence of Wall Street. Waters criticized the administration’s tax cuts and deregulation plans, while Bessent defended them as growth-promoting. The exchange highlighted deep divisions in Congress over economic direction and oversight.