US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his Washington, DC, home to a nearby military base amid security concerns over Iran-related threats and the exposure of his residence. The nature and severity of the threats have not been made public. The Treasury Department says Bessent will continue his work on US economic pressure against Iran.
Residence exposure prompts security move
Before Bessent relocated, The Wall Street Journal published an article containing an online photo that could be used to identify his Georgetown home. The affluent Washington neighborhood is also home to government officials and other prominent residents.
A person familiar with the matter said security concerns grew after the residence could potentially be identified, and authorities then arranged for Bessent to move to a nearby military base. Officials have not disclosed the threats’ form or origin, or whether they involved a specific time or location.
A Treasury Department spokesperson offered no further security details, saying only that Bessent “will not be deterred by threats” and would continue working on US economic pressure against Iran. The White House has not commented.
US intelligence has warned of threats to Americans
US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned in September that Iranian activity targeting Americans, including US officials, had increased significantly. Reports have said the efforts could target current and former officials; one person familiar with the matter described them as having entered a “more advanced phase.”
Former officials identified as potential targets include ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security adviser John Bolton and retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley. Reports said security details for Milley and Bolton were withdrawn shortly after the Trump administration returned to the White House last year.
Bessent is not the only senior government official living on a military base. White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller moved to a base in late 2025, before the conflict with Iran began. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also live on military bases. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard have made similar arrangements.
Bessent remains involved in economic pressure on Iran
Bessent has been involved in US efforts to isolate Iran through sanctions and a broader economic blockade. The US and Israel launched air operations against Iran in February this year. After Iranian leaders were killed, Tehran retaliated with attacks on US allies in the region, and the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed. The waterway normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
The US and Iran reached a preliminary agreement in June to end the war and reopen the strait, but the deal broke down within weeks. Attacks on shipping later resumed, and the US reinstated a blockade targeting Iranian ports. Bessent’s move comes as he continues to work on economic pressure against Iran, but officials have not said whether the threats are directly connected to his policy role.