Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued on Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are aiding in reclaiming jobs for American workers. Bessent highlighted that the government’s expectations include a continuation of real wage gains as deportations rise and private sector hiring improves.
Speaking with Fox News’ Jesse Watters, Bessent noted that “mass unfettered immigration has stopped,” referring to approximately 1.82 million voluntary and mandatory deportations. This shift, he claimed, is contributing to wage growth for American workers.
“So prior to April, we saw real wage gains for working Americans every month during President Trump’s term. I think we’ll be back to that next month,” Bessent stated.
Bessent emphasized that the administration’s focus on immigration enforcement has redirected job opportunities to U.S. workers, thereby strengthening the private sector. He described the private sector as the primary driver of sustained wage growth.
“What’s more important is these are private sector jobs,” he added, underscoring the impact of these positions compared to government jobs.
Besides acknowledging the efforts to boost employment and wages, Bessent commended Trump’s initiative to reduce the federal government’s size. He pointed out the administration’s strategy to “right-size” the workforce, which grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a commentary on government spending, Bessent remarked on the risks of excessive expansion. “There was this incredible blowout and government bloat,” he said, quoting the President’s view on potential job creation versus increased deficits and reduced productivity.
Bessent indicated optimism about an upcoming surge in productivity akin to the boom experienced in the 1990s.