Treasury Sec. Bessent joins Karoline Leavitt for a White House press briefing — 4/15/2026

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 15, 2026 at 18:04  |  41:55  |  CNBC
Speakers
Scott Bessent — Treasury Secretary
Karoline Leavitt — White House Press Secretary

Summary

The White House press briefing focused on the benefits of President Trump's tax cuts, highlighting record refunds and small business growth. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed gas price predictions, sanctions on Iran, and implications for Chinese banks. Other topics included trade with China, shipping insurance, and manufacturing expansion.

  • Tax cuts have resulted in over 53 million filers claiming benefits and average refunds over $3,400.
  • Small businesses are experiencing tax savings and planning expansions, with record SBA lending.
  • Bessent predicts gas prices will drop to $3 per gallon by summer due to the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz.
  • The administration is imposing secondary sanctions on Chinese banks involved with Iranian money.
  • Factory equipment orders are at record highs, indicating manufacturing growth.
  • A $40 billion insurance program is in place to support shipping in the Gulf.
  • Discussions on trade deficit with China show decreasing imbalance.
  • Plans for a triumphal ark to celebrate America's 250th anniversary were announced.
Trade Ideas
Kelly Loeffler 7:40
Small businesses booming from tax cuts.
Small businesses are benefiting significantly from President Trump's tax cuts, with tax savings leading to expansion, hiring, and high optimism, which should boost small business performance and stocks.
IWM MED
Scott Bessent Treasury Secretary 15:35
Gas prices to fall to $3 by summer.
Gas prices will drop to $3 per gallon between June 20th and September 20th due to the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz, which will increase oil supply and lower crude oil prices.
WTI MED
Scott Bessent Treasury Secretary 25:57
U.S. insurance boost for shipping.
The U.S. government has a $40 billion insurance program through the DFC to support ships in the Gulf, which will encourage shipping activity and benefit shipping companies once the Straits are reopened.
SEA MED
Scott Bessent Treasury Secretary 29:30
Chinese banks at risk from Iran sanctions.
Chinese banks face secondary sanctions from the U.S. Treasury if Iranian money flows through their accounts, posing risks to their operations and stock prices.
CHIX MED
Kelly Loeffler 33:12
Factory equipment orders at record highs.
Factory equipment orders are at record highs, driven by tax incentives and reshoring, indicating strong manufacturing growth and opportunities in industrial stocks.
XLI MED
Up Next
53:25
Squawk Pod: U.S. import prices, inflation, & the Fed’s next move - 04/15/26 | Audio Only
CNBC · Apr 15
34:15
How Do You Protect Against a Bear Market?
The Compound News · Apr 15
6:22
Meta deepens Broadcom chip push
CNBC · Apr 15
32:47
Why Institutions Need Privacy Before They Use Crypto
The Block · Apr 15
1:35:17
Wall Street Traders Score Big; Exclusive Ted Pick Interview | Bloomberg Open Interest 4/15/2026
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15

This CNBC video, published April 15, 2026, features Kelly Loeffler, Scott Bessent discussing IWM, WTI, SEA, CHIX, XLI. 5 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Kelly Loeffler, Scott Bessent  · Tickers: IWM, WTI, SEA, CHIX, XLI