Shutdown Starting to Harm Economy, Says Treasury Secretary

He said that a ‘dirty secret’ is that some media outlets have been downplaying the shutdown’s impact on the economy.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a ceremony for U.S. National Day at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on July 19, 2025. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Oct. 13 that the ongoing government shutdown has begun to impact the U.S. economy as it enters its 13th day with no end in sight.

In an interview with Fox Business, he said that the shutdown’s true impact on the economy is not being fully covered by media outlets.