On December 7, 2025, CBS host Margaret Brennan challenged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding his claims of running a soybean farm during a segment on Face the Nation. Bessent initially asserted that he 'runs' a soybean farm but quickly retracted this statement, acknowledging that he had divested his holdings due to an ethics conflict. Brennan clarified that Bessent, whose net worth is estimated at $600 million, owned and invested in a soybean farm rather than actively managing it.

The discussion highlighted the financial difficulties faced by American farmers, including reduced profit margins and market access issues. Brennan pointed out that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture had announced a bridge payment to assist farmers, prompting Bessent to discuss recent agreements with China regarding soybean purchases. He stated that soybean prices had increased since the agreement, with China expected to buy 12.5 million metric tonnes.

Bessent attempted to emphasize his connection to agriculture by mentioning family involvement in the farm, but Brennan reiterated that he was an investor rather than an operator. He later admitted to divesting his $25 million farming holdings due to a warning from the Senate Finance Committee about potential conflicts of interest related to his federal role. Bessent's investments included thousands of acres of soybean and corn farmland in North Dakota, which reportedly generated significant rental income. This incident raises questions about the transparency and ethical standards of individuals in high-level government positions, particularly regarding their financial interests in sectors that are directly impacted by policy decisions.