U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Federal Reserve should consider a 50-basis-point reduction in its benchmark interest rate at the September policy meeting, arguing that a larger-than-usual cut is warranted to support the economy. The comments, delivered during a Fox News interview on Aug. 12, mark a rare public call from a Treasury chief for a specific monetary policy move. Bessent added that the central bank “could have cut in June if given accurate data,” suggesting that statistical shortcomings led policymakers to hold rates steady at their last meeting. He said President Donald Trump has an open mind about who should lead the Fed when Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends and is looking for someone capable of “revamping” an institution he described as facing a foundational problem.