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 investor and government official, currently serving as the United States Secretary of the Treasury since 2025. Prior to his government role, he was a partner at Soros Fund Management. He also founded Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm, showcasing his entrepreneurial ventures in the financial sector.

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 later became an investor, hedge fund manager, and the United States Secretary of the Treasury.

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1984: Graduation from Yale University and extracurricular activities

In 1984, Scott Bessent earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Yale University. While in college, he was an editor of Yale Daily News, president of Wolf's Head Society, and treasurer for the class of 1984. He was also chairman of the 1984 Yale Alumni Fund and assistant to the director of athletics.

1984: Graduates from Yale University

In 1984, Scott Bessent graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree and began a career in finance.

2000: Fundraiser for Al Gore

In 2000, Bessent hosted a fundraiser for Al Gore at his East Hampton, New York, home.

2006: Adjunct Professor at Yale

In 2006, Scott Bessent began working as an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale University, where he taught three courses.

2011: Marriage to John Freeman

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

2011: End of Professorship at Yale

In 2011, Scott Bessent concluded his time as an adjunct professor of economic history at Yale, where he had taught three courses.

2016: Donated to Trump's Inaugural Committee

In 2016, Scott Bessent donated $1 million to Donald Trump's 2017 presidential inaugural committee.

2016: Purchased John Ravenel House

In 2016, Scott Bessent purchased the historic John Ravenel House.

2017: Donated to Trump's Inaugural Committee

In 2017, Scott Bessent donated $1 million to Donald Trump's presidential inaugural committee in 2016.

2023: Donated to Trump's 2024 campaign

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

February 2024: Fundraiser for Trump Campaign

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

April 2024: Fundraiser in Palm Beach

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

July 2024: Economic Advisor to Trump

In July 2024, it was reported that Bessent was a key economic advisor to Trump, proposing a three-point economic plan modeled on Shinzo Abe's "Three Arrows" economic policy.

November 2024: Listed 'Pink Palace' for sale

In November 2024, Bessent's mansion, known as the "Pink Palace", was listed for $22,250,000.

November 22, 2024: Intention to Nominate Bessent Announced

On November 22, 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Bessent to serve as the United States secretary of the treasury in his second administration. Bessent is the first openly gay treasury secretary, the second openly gay Senate-confirmed Cabinet secretary of an Executive Department after Pete Buttigieg.