The Trump administration has developed a bit of a reputation for officials saying things out loud that probably should have stayed inside their heads. Time and time again, someone steps up to a mic and offers a comment that feels wildly disconnected from how most Americans actually live. Last week, there was the Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who confidently suggested people could feed themselves on just $3 a meal, as if grocery prices, food deserts, and inflation were all imaginary problems. And now, that long list of out-of-touch moments has a new entry…
Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is also a multimillionaire, casually implied that retirees owning 5, 10, or even 12 homes is a normal, relatable experience.
Bessent made the comment during a discussion about housing policy with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo in Davos, Switzerland, when talking about the administration protecting “mom and pop” homebuyers from big investor groups, saying, “Someone, maybe your parents, for their retirement have bought 5, 10, 12 homes.”
As the Daily Beast points out, according to the US Census Bureau, only 65% of Americans own a home, and only 4% own a second home. So yeah, the idea that retirees typically own 5 or more homes isn’t based in reality.
Needless to say, the comment landed out of step with how most people experience housing today:
Well, there you have it. Nothing says “We care about the working class!” quite like implying that most people’s parents are quietly running real estate portfolios. Alright, let us know what you think about this latest gaffe in the comments below!!!