Trump Sanctions Chief Poised to Leave After Bessent Tension (1)

Feb. 15, 2026, 6:27 PM UTC

John Hurley, the Trump administration’s top sanctions official, is set to leave his post after friction with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to people familiar with the matter.

Hurley’s expected departure as Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence follows months of internal tension over the tactics and targets of US sanctions policy, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private deliberations. His future remains unclear, with officials floating Hurley for several ambassadorial roles, in an effort to keep a loyal and valued ally within the fold, the people said.

A senior administration official said that Hurley ...

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