College classmates jointly wrote to Vincent: Think carefully, are you willing to take responsibility for the United States falling into "fascism"?

A public letter signed by more than 140 Yale University graduates from the class of 1984, directly targeting their classmate and current US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The letter harshly warns Bessent that his role in the Trump administration may be contributing to the transformation of America into an authoritarian state and may even be responsible for the risk of falling into fascism. Faced with this rare public pressure from his former classmates, Bessent quickly responded with a strong counterattack, rebuking the critics as "keyboard warriors" and stating that being part of the Trump administration is "a lifelong honor." The stern warning from his former classmates: pointing out the risk of "authoritarianism" and potential conflicts of interest This strongly-worded public letter, initiated by Bessent's Yale University classmates from the class of 1984, had gathered 140 signatures by last Friday. These signatories come from various professions, including lawyers, CEOs, journalists, scholars, and even farmers. They collectively called on this classmate - who was also a part-time lecturer in economic history at Yale University - to carefully evaluate the role he plays in the Trump administration. The core concern of the letter is that the actions of the Trump administration may be pushing America towards becoming an "authoritarian state," with signatories even warning Bessent to consider if he is willing to take responsibility for America falling into fascism. The letter to Bessent states that as a political science student at Yale University, he knows that the three branches of the US government should be equal partners, checks and balances to prevent the power grab currently being carried out by the executive branch. The joint letter lists several examples that raise concerns, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to "usurp the powers of the judicial and legislative branches... to seek personal gain, wealth, and power": Data privacy and special interest favoritism: Accusations that the government has granted expansive access to private data of millions of Americans to billionaire Elon Musk and his "DOGE (dogecoin) associates." Suppressing dissenting voices: Criticizing the government for "punitive attacks" on independent media, universities, citizens, judges, and government employees who hold different views. Compliance questions about immigration policies: Accusations of "illegal detention and imprisonment" in immigration enforcement, suspected of violating the US immigration laws and constitutional provisions for due process. Evident conflicts of interest: Naming Trump family meme coins and Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) investment accounts, suggesting possible coordination with the government's "arbitrary tariff decisions," constituting "flagrant conflicts of interest." The letter states that the "global economic chaos" caused by this administration is already a warning sign, and the "unlawful way" the government is handling affairs domestically should also raise high alert for the Treasury Secretary Bessent. Signatories urge him to "courageously stand up, uphold justice, be the voice of reason in the madness," and abide by his oath to defend the constitution and stop the government's "unprecedented" attacks on the democratic system. Bessent's strong counterattack: dismisses as "keyboard warriors," joining the Trump administration is "a lifelong honor" Facing the public criticism from his former classmates, Bessent quickly issued a strongly-worded statement through the American media CNBC to counterattack. He first questioned the stance and motives of the signatories, stating, "A group of people, most of whom I have never met, feel they have the right to comment on my life choices based on a faint intersection 40 years ago, which is both strange and sad." Bessent referred to the critics as people "launching attacks behind their keyboards" and sarcastically suggested that they "reflect on themselves and exercise some agency, like stepping out from behind their desks and participating in the 2028 election cycle like I did." He categorized these classmates as "narrow progressives who have always tried to undermine President Trump in various ways," and quoted former US President Theodore Roosevelt's quote about "the man in the arena," positioning Trump and himself as doers rather than passive critics. Finally, Bessent made it clear where he stands: "President Trump is that man in the arena. The American people chose him - not these critics. Being a part of the Trump administration, serving the American people, is a lifelong honor." Behind the letter: Deep motivations, historical echoes, and widespread concerns One of the initiators of this joint letter, Catherine Teegarden, revealed that as early as March this year, she had sent a similar letter on behalf of some classmates to the Treasury Department, but received no response. This public letter updates the recent situation and gathered signatures through class social media platforms. Teegarden explained that the initiative was to "amplify our voices" in response to many alumni feeling "powerless" about the current state of the nation. It is noteworthy that the letter did not directly ask Bessent to resign. Teegarden believes that "that wouldn't really solve the problem," and she hopes to have a "voice of reason" within the system. She admitted that she hopes this letter will plant a seed of concern in Bessent's heart and prompt him to reflect on "why he wants to betray (his principles)." This letter mirrors a similar letter sent in August 2017 by more than 350 Yale University graduates from the class of 1985 to then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, due to Trump's controversial comments on the Charlottesville violence, calling for Mnuchin to resign as he had a "moral obligation." Mnuchin refused. David Kallick, the head of the immigration research think tank among the signatories, expressed his "very real" concerns about the erosion of due process and constitutional protections, warning of the "real danger" of sliding into a "dictatorial government." Another signatory, technology company operator Hank Copeland, mentioned that Bessent himself may also be "unwilling to live" and may have a "concern" about his actions."Under authoritarian rule", because it would stifle human rights and economic vitality. Although acknowledging that this move may have little effect, like "whistling in a hurricane", he emphasized the value of symbolic actions, believing it is a way to "remind ourselves and others what we care about".At the same time, Tigard also mentioned that not everyone is willing to sign, and some students choose to remain silent out of fear of possible "retaliation". The specific contents of the letter are as follows: This article is from "Wall Street sees", author Gao Zhimou, GmtEight editor: Chen Qiuda.