Community bankers meet with Treasury’s Bessent

Several ICBA members last Friday participated in a roundtable discussion with Treasury Secretary Bessent.

Details: The community bankers and Bessent discussed providing access to credit for small businesses and consumers in their communities. Bessent was also interested in hearing how policy changes could remove barriers to capital.

Bessent’s View: After the meeting, Bessent said on X: “Community banks have been the lifeblood of American entrepreneurship and economic growth since our nation’s founding, and they remain vitally critical to economic growth.” He added that under the administration of President Donald Trump, “it’s Main Street’s turn to shine.”

ICBA Support: ICBA in March applauded Bessent for his remarks supporting community banks and committing to the continued independence of the nation’s prudential banking regulators and dual banking system. ICBA in January congratulated Bessent for being named Treasury secretary.