Tensions Flare as Rep. Linda Sánchez Sparks Uproar with Gender Comment in Fiery Tariff Hearing
📍 Capitol Hill – A heated exchange unfolded on Wednesday during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing when Democratic Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) accused Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of interrupting her due to her gender — triggering audible reactions of disapproval from the chamber and sparking national debate.
The confrontation occurred during a scheduled five-minute questioning session on U.S. trade policy, where Sánchez sharply criticized tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Citing price hikes on common household goods like apparel, canned foods, and toys, she claimed the tariffs added “an estimated $3,000 in extra costs per household,” though the data source remained unverified when challenged.
As Bessent attempted to respond, Sánchez abruptly interjected:
“Please don’t interrupt me… I know I’m a woman, but please try to limit yourself to answering my questions.”
The remark was met with groans and murmurs from attendees. One audible voice reacted with “Oh, come on,” as the atmosphere in the room turned sharply tense.
Sánchez stood by her comment, adding:
“No, I’m sorry, but we get talked over all the time, and I don’t want that to happen at this hearing.”
💬 Bessent Responds Calmly, Avoids Escalation
Treasury Secretary Bessent, notably the first openly gay person to hold the role, chose not to address the gender-based accusation directly. Instead, he returned to the subject of tariffs, emphasizing that China fulfilled its trade commitments under Trump, while the Biden administration failed to enforce follow-through.
“That’s incorrect,” Bessent stated. “China met their agreements in 2020. President Biden chose not to hold them accountable.”
🏛️ Sanchez Criticizes “Weak” U.S.–China Trade Strategy
The Congresswoman further lambasted the Biden administration’s trade approach, suggesting recent negotiations lacked depth and diligence.
“A poorly negotiated trade deal with China is probably not worth the paper it is written on,” she said, referencing comments from former President Trump about concluding a China deal after only “two days of talks in London.”
Bessent pushed back, describing the deal as an initial step rather than a complete framework, adding:
“China has proven to be an unreliable partner. Trade relations require long-term strategic planning.”
🏛️ Chairman Intervenes Amid Growing Tension
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) stepped in several times to cool the confrontation and uphold procedural decorum.
⚡ White House Reacts: “Shameful”
The incident gained swift traction online, with the White House Rapid Response Team labeling Sánchez’s remark as “shameful” and “a partisan distraction from real economic issues.”
📱 Social Media Erupts
Clips of the exchange have circulated widely on social media platforms, with reactions split between criticism of Sánchez’s framing and defense of her frustration over perceived gender bias.
Political commentators and advocacy groups have weighed in, raising broader questions about conduct in congressional hearings, gender dynamics in politics, and the tone of partisan debates.
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