U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was confronted by anti-war activists while dining at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., on the 17th. The protest happened in front of dozens of other diners. According to reports from the outlet NOTUS and others, Bessent left the restaurant after his requests for help from staff were not resolved.
The incident took place shortly before President Donald Trump gave a live-streamed speech from the White House. In that address, Trump praised his administration’s economic record over the past 11 months. Some reports later claimed that Bessent “spat on his food and stormed out.”
Activists Confront Bessent During Meal
On the 18th, videos spread on social media showing Bessent eating at a restaurant called “Lever’s Hour” in the Adams Morgan area of northwest Washington, D.C. In the footage, a woman identified as an activist from the anti-war group Code Pink used a microphone to address him.
She said, “600,000 people die annually due to U.S. economic sanctions. Your hands are stained with blood, and you should be ashamed.”
In a separate YouTube video, activists mocked the moment, saying Bessent was “hastily trying to leave Washington, D.C., right before Trump announced the government’s achievements in his address.”
Heated Exchange and Departure
The video shows Bessent appearing angry and responding to the activist. He said, “You are ignorant,” and, “You don’t even know how ignorant you are.” He repeatedly asked restaurant staff to intervene.
When no action was taken, Bessent stood up and left. A NOTUS journalist who witnessed the scene said, “Bessent immediately exited the restaurant, and eyewitnesses said he appeared furious.”
Treasury Department Response
The Treasury Department later explained Bessent’s departure. A spokesperson said he left because the restaurant owner refused to remove “the disruptive individuals who disrespected other patrons.” The spokesperson also added that “the food was also subpar.”
Mixed Reactions to the Protest
Some observers criticized the activists’ actions. They argued that while opposition to the Trump administration’s economic policies is legitimate, people should still be able to eat in peace. One comment said that publicly shaming Bessent in a private setting was “a matter of etiquette, not left-versus-right politics.”
Political Tensions in Washington Dining Spots
In Washington, D.C., it is common to see senior Trump administration officials dining out. However, the city leans strongly Democratic, and such officials often face public criticism. Last September, President Trump himself was called “Hitler” by protesters while visiting JO’S Seafood, a high-end restaurant near the White House.
