Early Life and Education of Scott Bessent: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Scott Bessent, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Scott Bessent is an American government official currently serving as the United States Secretary of the Treasury since 2025. Previously, he had a prominent career in the financial sector, including being a partner at Soros Fund Management. Bessent also founded Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm, demonstrating his entrepreneurial ventures in the hedge fund industry before transitioning to public service.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

August 21, 1962: Scott Bessent Born

On August 21, 1962, Scott Kenneth Homer Bessent was born in Conway, South Carolina.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Graduation from North Myrtle Beach High School

In 1980, Bessent graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School in Little River, South Carolina.

1984: Graduation from Yale College

In 1984, Bessent graduated from Yale College.

1984: Received Degree from Yale University

In 1984, Bessent received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Yale University and also served in various roles during his undergraduate studies.

2000: Fundraiser for Al Gore

In 2000, Bessent hosted a fundraiser for Al Gore at his home. That year, he also donated $1,000 to John McCain.

2006: Yale Professorship

In 2006, Bessent became an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale.

2007: Bought House in Bedford Hills

In 2007, Bessent bought a house in Bedford Hills, New York, for $11.3 million.

2007: Donation to Barack Obama

In 2007, Bessent donated $2,300 to Barack Obama.

2009: Sold Unit at One Sutton Place South

In 2009, Bessent sold his unit at One Sutton Place South for $9.5 million, at a loss.

2010: Bought House in Miami Beach

In 2010, Bessent bought a 9,719-square-foot house in Miami Beach for $9.5 million.

2011: End of Yale Professorship

In 2011, Bessent ended his time as an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale, a position he held since 2006.

2011: Married John Freeman

In 2011, Bessent married John Freeman.

2011: Sold House in Bedford Hills

In 2011, Bessent sold the house in Bedford Hills, New York, for $7.1 million, losing at least $4.2 million.

2013: Donation to Hillary Clinton's Campaign

In 2013, Bessent donated $25,000 to Hillary Clinton's campaign.

2014: Sold House in Miami Beach

In 2014, Bessent sold his renovated house in Miami Beach for $14.5 million.

2016: Donation to Trump Inaugural Committee

After Trump was elected president in 2016, Bessent donated $1 million to Trump's 2017 presidential inaugural committee.

2016: Bought John Ravenel House

In 2016, Bessent bought the 9,407-square-foot John Ravenel House for $6.5 million.

2017: Donation to Trump Inaugural Committee

After Trump was elected president in 2016, Bessent donated $1 million to Trump's 2017 presidential inaugural committee.

2017: Bought Unit at 720 Park Avenue

In 2017, Bessent bought a unit at 720 Park Avenue for $19.25 million.

2019: Sold Home in Southampton

In 2019, Bessent sold his renovated 10,665-square-foot home in Southampton, New York, for $19 million.

2021: Sold Unit at 720 Park Avenue

In 2021, Bessent sold his unit at 720 Park Avenue for $15 million, taking a loss.

2022: Opened Foundations and Supported Organizations

In 2022, Bessent opened two foundations, created the McLeod Rehabilitation Center, and supported the King's Trust and the Harlem Children's Zone. He also supports restoration of the Nathaniel Russell House.

2022: Comments on China

In 2022, Bessent praised Trump and former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe for containing China and called China "ever more antagonistic".

2022: Sister Wyn's Death

In 2022, Bessent's younger sister, Wyn, passed away after an illness.

2023: Donation to Trump's 2024 Campaign

In 2023 and 2024, Bessent donated more than $1 million to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

February 2024: Fundraiser for Trump's 2024 Campaign

In February 2024, Bessent hosted a fundraiser in Greenville, South Carolina, that raised nearly $7 million for Trump's 2024 campaign.

April 2024: Palm Beach Fundraiser

In April 2024, Bessent was a host of a Palm Beach, Florida, fundraiser that raised $50 million for Trump's campaign.

July 2024: Key Economic Advisor

In July 2024, Bessent was a key economic adviser to Trump.

November 2024: Op-Ed on Tariffs

In a November 2024 Fox News op-ed, Bessent wrote that tariffs "are a means to finally stand up for Americans".

December 28, 2024: Net Worth Disclosure

As of December 28, 2024, Bessent's net worth was at least $521 million according to his financial assets disclosure.

2024: Donation to Trump's 2024 Campaign

In 2023 and 2024, Bessent donated more than $1 million to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

January 28, 2025: Sworn in as Treasury Secretary

On January 28, 2025, Bessent was sworn in as the 79th Secretary of the Treasury, becoming the first openly gay person to lead the U.S. Treasury Department.

March 2025: Defended Tariffs

In March 2025, Bessent defended Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, saying, "access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream."

March 2025: Sale of John Ravenel House

In March 2025, Bessent sold the John Ravenel House for $18.25 million plus $3 million for furnishings and fixtures, setting a record for the highest price ever for a house in Charleston.

April 2025: Advocated Pressuring Trading Partners

In April 2025, after Trump announced Liberation Day tariffs, Bessent warned countries against retaliating, promising escalation. However, on April 9, Trump paused many of the tariffs, with Bessent's influence credited.