Rep. Linda Sanchez faces backlash after accusing Treasury Secretary Bessent of sexism during a tense committee hearing.

Sexism Allegation Interrupts Trade Policy Debate

A House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday took an unexpected turn when Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., accused Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of interrupting her because of her gender. The accusation came during a five-minute exchange focused on the economic impact of tariffs enacted under President Trump.

“Prices are rising on many everyday goods,” Sanchez said, referencing items such as clothing, canned food, and toys. She added, “On average, Trump’s tariffs are estimated to cost households $3,000 more for the same goods than they would have last year,” though she did not cite a source when questioned.

As Bessent attempted to interject during her statement, Sanchez responded sharply: “Please don’t interrupt me… I know I’m a woman, but please try to limit yourself to answering my questions.” Her comment drew audible groans from the hearing room, including one attendee who remarked, “Oh, come on.” Sanchez defended her stance, saying, “No, I’m sorry, but we get talked over all the time, and I don’t want that to happen at this hearing.”

Bessent, who is openly gay, did not engage with the accusation directly and remained focused on defending the administration’s tariff and trade strategies. He rejected Sanchez’s claim about rising consumer costs, saying, “That’s incorrect,” and argued that China met its trade commitments under Trump in 2020, which he claimed were not enforced under the Biden administration.

Dispute Over Trade Policy with China

Sanchez expressed skepticism over the administration’s recent trade negotiations with China, calling them rushed and lacking in transparency. “A poorly negotiated trade deal with China is probably not worth the paper that it is written on,” she said. She voiced concern that President Trump had announced a completed deal with China after just two days of talks in London.

Bessent defended the outcome of the London discussions, calling the agreement a “specific goal” rather than a comprehensive treaty, and cautioned that China remains “an unreliable partner.”

The heated exchange was moderated by Committee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE), who stepped in multiple times to enforce time limits and decorum. Despite the tension, the hearing proceeded through its scheduled agenda.

The incident quickly gained traction online. The White House’s official rapid response team weighed in, describing Sanchez’s behavior as “shameful.” The office of Rep. Sanchez has not issued a public response to the controversy as of yet.

The moment has sparked broader conversation about the tone of political discourse and the boundaries of personal commentary in official proceedings, with both supporters and critics weighing in across social platforms.