Howard Lutnick making push for Treasury job, setting up battle with leading contender Bessent
Published On Nov 13, 2024, 9:25 AM
Billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick are competing for the position of Treasury Secretary in President-elect Donald Trump's new administration. Bessent, founder of Key Square Group, is currently favored due to Lutnick's ties with the cryptocurrency Tether, which is undergoing scrutiny by the Treasury. The competition intensified after investor John Paulson withdrew, leaving the door open for either candidate. Both Bessent and Lutnick have substantial financial backing for Trump, but internal advisers prefer Bessent for the role, which may enhance crypto's influence in government policy if appointed.