Rep. Maxine Waters exploded during a House committee hearing Wednesday, demanding that the committee chairman “shut up” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after the California Democrat repeatedly tried to silence his responses about President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
The heated confrontation erupted during Bessent’s testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, where Waters serves as ranking member. The 87-year-old congresswoman pressed Bessent on tariffs and housing affordability before the exchange devolved into chaos.
“So I ask you, Secretary Bessent, will you be the voice of reason in this administration and urge President Trump to stop waging a war on American consumers, harming housing affordability, and putting the economy at risk? Yes or no. You don’t have to explain,” Waters demanded.
When Bessent attempted to cite economic data, Waters immediately cut him off.
“Representative—” Bessent began.
“Will you be the voice of reason? Will you be the voice of reason?” Waters interrupted.
“A study from Wharton University has shown—” Bessent said.
“Reclaiming my time. Reclaiming my time. Mr. Chair, will you let him know when I ask to reclaim my time—” Waters shouted.
Rep. French Hill, the Republican chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, confirmed that Waters controlled the time.
“The time does belong to the gentlewoman from California,” Hill said.
Bessent refused to be silenced.
“Ten to twenty million immigrants—” he continued.
“Can you shut him up?” Waters demanded, turning to the chairman.
“What about the housing stock for working Americans? And can you maintain some level of dignity?” Bessent said.
Hill then informed Waters her time had expired, but the congresswoman refused to accept it.
“The gentlewoman’s time has expired,” Hill stated.
“No, my time has not expired,” Waters protested.
“The gentlewoman’s time has expired,” Hill repeated.
“The gentleman took up my time! I think you should recognize that, Mr. Chair,” Waters complained.
“The gentlewoman’s time has expired,” Hill said again, ending the exchange.
Take a look –
🚨Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's appearance before the House Financial Services Committee turns chaotic.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA): Will you be the voice of reason?
Bessent: Can you maintain some level of dignity?
Waters: Will you shut him up? pic.twitter.com/geQQ0S8m4A
— Liberty Nation (@libertynation) February 4, 2026
The confrontation came as Waters questioned Bessent about the Trump administration’s tariff policies and their impact on inflation and housing costs. Waters accused the administration of waging “a war on American consumers” through tariffs on imports.
Bessent pushed back on Waters’ claims about inflation and housing, pointing to mass illegal immigration under the Biden administration as a major factor driving up housing costs.
“You seem confused as to the definition of inflation,” Bessent told Waters. “The biggest reason for the housing increase was the mass of unfettered immigration you let in.”
Bessent cited data from Wharton University showing that the influx of 10 to 20 million illegal immigrants created massive demand for housing that drove up prices for American workers.
“Adding 10-20 million [illegal aliens] demanding housing, Congresswoman, is what caused a great deal of housing inflation for working Americans,” Bessent said. “So you and the Biden Administration should be ashamed.”