U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been relocated from his Georgetown home in Washington, D.C., to a military base after threats to his life that officials say are linked to Iran. The move follows a Wall Street Journal article that published an online photograph of Bessent’s residence, allowing the location to be geo‑located, according to a source cited by CBS News.
The publication of the photograph prompted heightened security concerns, prompting Treasury officials to shift Bessent’s living arrangements. A Treasury Department spokesperson said the secretary “will not be deterred” by the threats and remains “committed” to the U.S. campaign of sanctions and economic pressure on Iran. The BBC reported that it sought comment from the White House on the matter.
Bessent’s role in shaping and enforcing sanctions against Iran has placed him at the center of U.S. efforts to weaken the Iranian economy. U.S. intelligence officials have warned that Iran has “substantially increased” attempts to target Americans, including government officials. In September, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned of a rise in Iranian targeting of U.S. personnel.
According to reporting by The New York Times, the alleged targeting extends to both current and former officials, with names such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley cited as potential targets. Security arrangements for Bolton and Milley were reportedly withdrawn by the Trump administration after President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. Other senior officials who live on military installations for protection include White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard.
The relocation comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran after U.S. and Israeli air strikes in February that killed Iran’s leader, prompting retaliatory attacks on U.S. allies and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a key global oil and gas shipping lane.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
