In a striking revelation from inside the Trump administration, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been described as a volatile leader whose temper has provoked a significant wave of departures among his staff. During a recent conversation, President Donald Trump humorously remarked, “I created a monster,” while acknowledging Bessent’s difficult management style.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the tumultuous atmosphere within the Treasury Department can be attributed to Bessent’s frequent outbursts. More than 30 current and former officials provided insights into an environment where Bessent is said to unleash tirades against aides, creating anxiety among his staff.

One particularly alarming incident highlighted in the report involved Bessent berating John Hurley, his former top terrorism and financial intelligence official. Bessent’s fury reportedly stemmed from perceived delays in responding to a probe requested by President Trump. This explosive confrontation, heard by nearby aides, led Hurley to leave Treasury for an ambassadorship shortly thereafter.

The volatility does not seem limited to isolated incidents. Staff members have taken to consulting with each other regarding Bessent’s mood before approaching him, often seeking strategies to evade his wrath. Reports suggest that many employees breathe a sigh of relief when Bessent is out of the office.

This culture of fear has resulted in an unprecedented turnover at the Treasury, where seven Senate-confirmed officials departed by August—a stark contrast to the two or fewer exits seen in similar timeframes under previous administrations.

Furthermore, numerous candidates have declined offers to join the Treasury team upon hearing about Bessent’s infamous temper. The issues surrounding Bessent’s management style have raised concerns about the overall effectiveness and morale of the department.

Defending his old friend, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon acknowledged Bessent’s short fuse but argued that he is fundamentally a good person. “If your feelings are hurt, I’m sorry, but get the f— out of here,” Bannon paraphrased Bessent’s ethos to The Journal.

Reports of Bessent’s temper extend beyond the Treasury. Witnesses recounted a heated exchange between Bessent and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk during an incident in the West Wing, as well as a physical confrontation with housing chief Bill Pulte during a dinner.

Despite these alarming accounts, Bessent has maintained a close rapport with President Trump, who reportedly speaks to him almost daily. In an April event, Trump labeled Bessent as “difficult” but credited him for his prominence in the administration.

The White House has defended Bessent’s leadership qualities, with spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stating that he has fostered accountability and professionalism throughout the department. She described these changes as among the administration’s notable achievements.

A spokesperson for Treasury highlighted Bessent’s high expectations for performance, sidestepping direct comments on his treatment of staff. However, the effects of his leadership style appear to be resonating significantly across the department.

This growing matter of workplace morale and staff turnover raises questions about the long-term stability of the Treasury as it tackles critical economic issues. The administration’s focus remains on maintaining productivity amidst a changing personnel landscape.

As the administration moves forward, the challenge remains not only managing economic policies but also fostering a workplace culture that retains talent rather than driving it away. Bessent’s temper and the associated fallout underscore the need for balance in effective leadership.

Looking ahead, how the administration addresses staff morale and retention amid ongoing tumult within the Treasury may well define its effectiveness and legacy as it navigates these complex challenges.

With the midterm elections approaching, any turbulence within key departments like the Treasury could have implications for the broader political landscape, as voters take stock of the administration’s handling of economic issues.

As these developments unfold, both the fate of Bessent and the future dynamics within the Treasury will be crucial to observe. Much hinges on whether the Trump administration can adapt to the evolving landscape while retaining seasoned and capable officials.