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 businessman and current U.S. Secretary of the Treasury since 2025. He previously worked as a partner at Soros Fund Management (SFM) and founded the global macro investment firm, Key Square Group. Bessent is noted as the first openly gay person to lead the U.S. Treasury Department and the second openly gay U.S. Senate-confirmed Cabinet secretary. He is also the first openly gay U.S. Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration.

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. He is an American businessman and government official.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Graduation from High School

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

1984: Graduation from Yale College

In 1984, Scott Bessent graduated from Yale College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He was on the board of the Yale Daily News, acted as president of the Wolf's Head Society, and was the class treasurer.

2006: Adjunct Professor at Yale

From 2006 to 2011, Scott Bessent was an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale.

2011: End of Professorship at Yale

From 2006 to 2011, Scott Bessent was an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale, teaching three courses.

2011: Bessent Married John Freeman

In 2011, Scott Bessent married John Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor.

December 28, 2024: Bessent's Net Worth Disclosure

On December 28, 2024, Scott Bessent's financial assets disclosure revealed a net worth of at least $521 million, with speculations suggesting it was around $600 million. His holdings included significant investments in various ETFs, real estate in the Bahamas and North Carolina.

December 2025: Bessent Divested North Dakota Farmland

In December 2025, Scott Bessent divested his North Dakota farmland, which provided a rental income of up to $1 million per year, as part of his ethics agreement as secretary of the treasury.