In a bold display of defiance, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent turned the tables on liberal protestors who regularly demonstrate outside a popular Republican restaurant in Washington DC.
Confrontation at Conservative Hotspot
On Thursday evening, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived at Butterworth's, a French bistro located just blocks from the US Capitol that has become a favoured gathering place for Republican officials. The restaurant, which opened last year, regularly hosts prominent conservative figures including congressmen and Trump administration officials.
As has become routine in recent months, groups of anti-Trump protestors had assembled outside the establishment, armed with megaphones, drums, bells and other instruments. Their stated aim: to disrupt patrons with what observers described as "awful, jarring melodies" and chants including "Donald Trump eat s***".
One protestor's sign read "No peace for fascists", reflecting the increasingly heated political tensions in the American capital.
Bessent's Unconventional Response
Rather than ignoring the demonstrators or hurrying inside, Bessent took an unexpected approach. The treasury secretary, standing approximately 6'4 tall, stopped directly in front of the screaming protestors and began filming them on his phone while laughing at their antics.
Witnesses noted that despite the raspy screams of the three protestors, who appeared to be losing their voices from shouting, Bessent and his security detail remained completely undisturbed throughout the encounter.
One protestor immediately flipped the middle finger at the cabinet member upon spotting him, though observers noted this individual had been giving the same gesture to everyone entering the restaurant.
Restaurant Staff React
Bart Hutchins, one of Butterworth's chefs and partners, captured the chaotic scene and shared it on social media platform X with the caption: "Secretary Bessent not phased by tonight's Butterworth protestors."
Another investor in the restaurant, Raheem Kassam, suggested the protestors might be paid for their regular appearances, noting they "dutifully show up to the eatery night after night".
Background of Volatile Confrontations
This isn't the first time Bessent has been involved in heated confrontations. The treasury secretary has developed a reputation for volatile behaviour, most notably during a high-profile incident at an exclusive Washington DC dinner for MAGA allies.
During that previous altercation, witnesses reported that Bessent erupted at fellow official Bill Pulte, accusing him of bad-mouthing him to President Trump. The secretary allegedly threatened to punch Pulte in the face and "beat his ass" if they took the argument outside.
Despite the regular protests, Butterworth's continues to attract top Republican names including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, and billionaire Elon Musk. Rather than being put off by the demonstrations, many patrons see the protests as a "badge of honour" and have been known to film the scenes themselves.
