The first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton. Appointed by President George Washington in 1789, Hamilton played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s financial system. He advocated for the federal assumption of state debts, the establishment of a national bank, and the promotion of manufacturing to strengthen the economy. His financial policies laid the groundwork for modern American economic practices and helped stabilize the fledgling nation’s finances. Hamilton's contributions, along with his Federalist views, continue to influence U.S. economic and political thought today.