UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
U.S. Repatriation Flight Carrying 266 Venezuelan Migrants Lands in Caracas 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Monday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has appointed Michael Friedman as his new chief of staff, succeeding Dan Katz. Katz is set to assume the deputy managing director role at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), making way for Friedman to step into one of the Treasury’s most influential positions.
Friedman, a seasoned professional with a background in both government and the private sector, previously worked as a special assistant for presidential personnel at the White House. According to Treasury officials, he played “a pivotal role” in shaping staff selection and recruitment for high-level positions during Donald Trump’s administration. His experience in overseeing personnel decisions has positioned him as a strategic choice for Bessent’s team as the Treasury navigates both domestic and global economic challenges.
Before joining the administration, Friedman held leadership roles at supply chain technology companies and e-commerce startups, demonstrating his versatility across industries. His career path reflects a blend of public service expertise and private-sector innovation, skills that are likely to benefit the Treasury as it tackles pressing issues such as inflation management, fiscal policy, and international financial stability.
A New York City native, Friedman holds advanced degrees from two prestigious institutions. He earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. This dual background in law and business underscores his qualifications for managing the complex responsibilities of a Treasury chief of staff.
The transition comes at a significant moment, with Katz moving to the IMF to serve as the No. 2 official. His shift to an international financial role highlights the growing interconnection between U.S. economic policy and global financial leadership. Meanwhile, Friedman’s appointment signals continuity and strategic alignment within the Treasury as Bessent strengthens his leadership team.
With his combination of White House experience, private-sector leadership, and top-tier academic credentials, Michael Friedman is expected to play a central role in shaping U.S. Treasury operations and advancing key policy initiatives in the months ahead.
