The prediction market Polymarket had Donald Trump favored to win the presidential election, and then he became the president-elect, again. Now people are betting on who will be his pick for secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Polymarket shows Scott Bessent’s odds of securing that nomination at 67%, at the moment. Obviously, there is no guarantee; Janet Yellen has served as the Treasury’s secretary since January 2021.
Bessent is the founder and chief executive of Key Square Group, a hedge fund, and formerly the chief investment officer of Soros Fund Management, founded by prolific Democratic Party donor George Soros. Bessent’s name has been floated for days, pretty much since Trump’s victory. Trump recently described Bessent as “one of the most brilliant men on Wall Street,” who is “respected by everybody,” and a “nice-looking guy, too,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Bessent reportedly helped Trump on the campaign trail, beyond his very generous contributions; Trump’s key advisors are reportedly backing Bessent, per Bloomberg.
