In a troubling display of protest tactics, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced an unwelcome interruption during dinner at Reveler’s Hour in Washington, D.C. Activist Olivia DiNucci, representing the left-wing group CODEPINK, directly confronted him. In a move intended to alarm diners, she toasted Bessent while accusing him of overseeing “economic warfare” through U.S. sanctions. She claimed these sanctions could result in an alarming 600,000 deaths annually from starvation worldwide.
Bessent’s immediate response was decisive. He labeled DiNucci as “ignorant” and raised his glass in a mock toast of his own. The reaction from other diners was swift; many booed the disruption. Following the encounter, Bessent chose to leave the restaurant, highlighting the atmosphere created by the protest.
This incident has sparked significant discussion surrounding the actions of CODEPINK. The group took credit for the disruption and repeated familiar rhetoric stating that Bessent’s policies cause unnecessary human suffering. DiNucci began her protest by exclaiming, “We want to make an announcement! We have a special guest here…” Her speech escalated to an impassioned critique of Bessent’s role, framing him as responsible for the alleged deaths caused by sanctioned economic policies.
While CODEPINK provided a press release to support their claims, it referenced a controversial study from The Lancet, which had previously faced scrutiny. The study estimated that unilateral sanctions contribute to severe poverty, disease, and death due to food insecurity. DiNucci emphasized this point, claiming, “He oversees the deaths of 600,000 people due to sanctions annually.”
Bessent’s quip in reply was sharp: “You are ignorant, and you have no idea how ignorant you are.” It is clear that he sought to deflect the unfounded accusations with pointed clarity.
In their subsequent statement, CODEPINK recapped the evening’s event with a tone that highlighted their intent to provoke dialogue. They remarked, “Bessent was reportedly so mad at being called out for having blood on his hands that he spat in his food and left the restaurant.” This characterization serves to paint Bessent’s reaction in an unflattering light, suggesting emotional instability rather than dignified composure.
A person familiar with the situation mentioned that Bessent left not exclusively due to the protest but also because the restaurant owner failed to support the peaceful dining experience of patrons. Additionally, they noted a less favorable quality of food, which might have contributed to the Secretary’s decision to exit.
Prominent figures surrounding the incident, such as Bart Hutchins, a chef at Butterworth’s, expressed their support for Bessent, tweeting, “Secretary Bessent not phased by tonight’s Butterworth protestors.” Investor Raheem Kassam also chimed in, saying, “Even the treasury secretary pauses to mock the protestors.” Such reactions indicate a notable divide in public sentiment regarding the appropriateness of the protest methods employed by groups like CODEPINK.
Overall, the evening encapsulates the ongoing cultural clash surrounding economic policies and their perceived impacts on global health. As tensions continue to rise, incidents like this will likely prompt further examination of both the messaging strategies of activist groups and the responses from high-ranking officials.
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