Sparks flew on Capitol Hill as US Representative Mike Thompson challenged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's glowing portrayal of a “golden age economy,” pointing to soaring costs for electricity, healthcare, groceries, and fuel that continue to squeeze American families. What began as a policy discussion quickly escalated into a fiery showdown, with Thompson pressing Bessent on inflation, tax policies, and controversial IRS settlement allegations. As tempers flared and tensions mounted, the hearing turned into a high-stakes clash over the true state of the U.S. economy.