News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Weather
Crime
Politics
Toll of Commuting
Sunny
56°
Local
Weather
Crime
Politics
Toll of Commuting

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent discusses state of economy, impacts of Trump tax law and war in Iran

United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent says he expects a "big make up" to occur once the war in Iran concludes, although the declined to place a date on when that could happen.

Rich Barrabi

•

Mar 31, 2026, 10:26 AM

•

Updated

Share:

More Stories

United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent is urging patience and promoting optimism in the face of rising oil prices due to the War in Iran.

In an exclusive interview with News 12 following an economic roundtable discussing featuring local business leaders and hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Bessent defended the war effort in Iran, and insisted that "economic momentum will endure" due to the impact of President Donald Trump's signature tax reform bill.

"The war will end. We will get to the other side of this. Prices will come back down," Bessent told News 12.

"I don't think it's going to be long term, and I think that the American people are willing to accept 50 to 60 days of volatility for 50 years of security," said Bessent.

Bessent says he expects a "big make up" to occur once the war in Iran concludes, although the declined to place a date on when that could happen. However, the treasury secretary says the effects of the new tax law will have a lasting impact.

"We're seeing that our tax refunds are up more than 10%," Bessent told News 12.

"Almost 50% of the tax returns that have been filed have had one of the president's four signature policies. They claimed no tax on tips, no tax on overtime. They have reduced taxes for seniors on Social Security and deductibility of auto loans for American cars, and especially the no tax on overtime, 25% of the tax returns that have been filed, people have claimed that deduction. In my mind, that's the American way. Work harder, keep more of it."

Top Stories

01:49
Screenshot 2026-10-23 075553

GWB delays from NJ into Bronx ease after construction clears, but major backups remain Friday morning

01:18
RizzoSM4

DRY STRETCH: Gorgeous weather extends into the weekend and next week

03:00
1000023301

Paws & Pals: Meet Snow, a sweet Shiba Inu looking for a forever home

01:00
Article 153689 Hero Image

What is the right time to trick-or-treat? News 12 viewers sound off on Saturday Halloween schedule

CREDIT: AP

FDA recalls more than 4 million tubes of toothpaste

00:17
Screenshot 2026-10-23 060929 edited

19-year-old turns himself in for Hoboken Walgreens parking lot shooting

fraud scheme

Franklin Lakes real estate influencer 'Flipping NJ' faces prison after pleading guilty to federal fraud and bribery charges

02:46
Screenshot 2026-10-23 075104

'Getting to work late.' Ferry riders voice frustrations as county pressures NY Waterway

01:20
WestOrangePoliticalSigns_2026-10-22-22-11-47

Prosecutors investigate alleged campaign sign theft in West Orange

00:48
DivertedNJCruiseShip_2026-10-22-22-17-20

Tropical getaway to the Bahamas ends up in Canada

01:51
Town Hall Chaos TN

Political expert weighs in on recent chaos at New Jersey town council meetings

01:52
CKGWBCeilingRepairs - 5PM_2026-10-22-17-06-45

Spanning the Hudson River for the last 95 years, the George Washington Bridge is undergoing a major restoration

00:49
Screenshot 2026-10-22 154629

‘Smartphones are hijacking our kids.’ Gov. Sherrill highlights school cellphone ban

00:32
JerseyProud102226_2026-10-22-22-18-54

Jersey Proud: Roselle Park students win statewide challenge 

00:59
Screenshot 2026-10-22 075103

Motorcyclist killed in George Washington Bridge crash; all lanes reopen after major traffic disruptions

00:24
NJ QUAKE 102226

Small earthquake shakes northern New Jersey in Morris County

01:38
Screenshot 2026-10-21 052730

Former NYPD detective faces judge in deadly road-rage fueled GWB shooting

00:29
Adolfo A. Cruz-Garcia Raw Blur

Man accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting 11-year-old girl in Asbury Park

00:16
deadly shooting

Paterson man dies after being shot in chest

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices