Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's restaurant outburst fuels concerns over his volatile leadership

At an upscale Washington, D.C., restaurant in December 2025, CodePink activists confronted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, chanting about his sanctions policy. Bessent responded by raising his glass sarcastically, labeling the demonstrators ignorant, then erupted at the owner, spat in his own dish and left the venue. Sources say this incident fits a wider pattern of volatile conduct, such as throwing a briefing book against a wall, shouting at undersecretary John Hurley over a Minnesota fraud investigation, and a heated exchange with Elon Musk in the White House corridors.

Former officials note his temper has created a climate where aides avoid him, leading to resignations and difficulty filling key positions. Donald Trump reportedly joked that Bessent “created a monster,” and a White House spokesperson defended his professionalism. The profile raises questions about leadership and morale within the Treasury Department.