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Treasury Aide Ridiculed for Saying Moving From 'Blue' to 'Red' States Will Beat Inflation

Scott Bessent, a Treasury official, was mocked after suggesting on Meet the Press that people could lower their personal inflation rate by moving from "blue" states to "red" states. He insisted blue state inflation is about half a percentage point higher and disputed that inflation rose following recent tariffs. Social media users called the idea impractical for average households and highlighted potential income trade-offs, while former President Donald Trump dismissed affordability concerns as political rhetoric.

08:55 AM, 11/24/2025Politics
Treasury Aide Ridiculed for Saying Moving From 'Blue' to 'Red' States Will Beat Inflation

Treasury official Scott Bessent faced widespread ridicule after telling viewers on Meet the Press that Americans could reduce their personal inflation rate by moving from "blue" states to "red" states. During the interview, Bessent also disputed that inflation had risen following recent tariffs.

Speaking with host Kristen Welker, the former hedge fund manager argued that state political alignment affects prices:

“I can tell you that the Council of Economic Advisers have studied. You know the best way to bring your inflation rate down? Move from a blue state to a red state.”

He added:

“Blue state inflation is half a percent higher, and that is because they don’t deregulate, they keep prices up, energy is higher.”

Earlier in the exchange, Welker pointed out that consumer prices rose after tariffs introduced in April. Bessent responded emphatically:

“No, no, no, no. They weren’t. Inflation hasn’t gone up.”

Bessent blamed the previous administration and defended his party’s approach, saying, "And Kristen, the one thing we’re not going to do is do what the Biden administration did and tell the American people they don’t know how they feel." He claimed Republicans were working to slow inflation.

Social Media Backlash

Users on X reacted with incredulity and sarcasm, arguing that relocating is unrealistic for most families. One commenter wrote:

“Great message. Tired of high grocery prices? Sell your home, find a new job, buy a new home, move somewhere else, start life over. Magic!”

Another noted the potential income trade-offs:

“Move to a red state and watch your income automatically be reduced by at least 20%. If you are really fortunate, it will be cut by 50%.”

Several users also pointed out the apparent disconnect between Bessent’s advice and his personal wealth. One wrote:

“Totally feasible advice for people with a net worth of $600 million. Now let’s talk about the rest of us.”

Political Context

The exchange follows broader political debate over affordability. Former President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about rising costs on Truth Social, calling complaints about affordability a "con job" and asserting his party is focused on affordability.

Critics say Bessent’s suggestion overlooks practical barriers—housing costs, job markets, moving expenses, and family ties—and that state-to-state cost differences do not translate to a simple, one-size-fits-all solution for inflation. Supporters might argue that differing state policies can influence local price levels, but most analysts note moving is not a realistic remedy for the majority of households.

Bottom line: Bessent’s comment sparked debate because it framed a complex, nationwide economic issue as an individual lifestyle choice that many cannot feasibly make.

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