Trump's Treasury secretary visits NY diner and calls gas-price surge a 'blip'

Scott Bessent visited a Yorktown diner with Rep. Mike Lawler and described the recent spike in gas prices as a "temporary blip" while promoting administration tax policies; the March CPI showed a record 21.2% monthly jump in gasoline prices.

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury secretary, visited the Hill Blvd Diner in Yorktown, New York, on April 10 with Rep. Mike Lawler. The visit coincided with the Bureau of Labor Statistics' March Consumer Price Index report and a record monthly 21.2% jump in gasoline prices. Bessent promoted the administration's tax policies, including the SALT deduction, tax breaks, investment accounts for children, and a provision excluding some tips from federal taxes. He described the recent increase in gasoline prices as a "temporary blip" and referenced futures markets. Key points: - Scott Bessent visited Yorktown's Hill Blvd Diner on April 10 with Rep. Mike Lawler to discuss administration economic policies. - Bessent said the recent rise in gasoline prices is a "temporary blip" and cited futures markets. - The March CPI report showed gasoline prices rose 21.2% month-to-month and overall consumer prices were up 3.3% year-over-year. - At the diner Bessent and Lawler highlighted the SALT deduction, tax breaks, child investment accounts, and a no-tax-on-tips provision for certain workers. - Local officials and residents expressed concern about rising costs, with comments describing an affordability issue and saying people are suffering. Summary: The visit illustrated the administration's effort to emphasize tax changes while officials described a sharp short-term rise in fuel costs. Undetermined at this time.