A trade hearing clash broke out on Capitol Hill Wednesday during a heated exchange between Rep. Linda Sanchez and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The House Ways and Means Committee had gathered to discuss tariffs and trade with China. However, the session quickly escalated into personal accusations and policy criticism.
Rep. Sanchez, a Democrat from California, began her five-minute question session by criticizing tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. She claimed those tariffs increased household costs for essential items like clothing, toys, and food.
“Families now pay $3,000 more annually due to tariffs,” Sanchez stated, though she did not provide sourcing when asked. However, As Secretary Bessent tried to respond, Sanchez interrupted him. “Please don’t interrupt me,” she said. “I know I’m a woman, but just answer my questions.”
As a result, That comment triggered groans throughout the hearing room. One attendee reacted audibly with, “Oh, come on.” Sanchez stood her ground and added, “Women are constantly interrupted. I won’t let that happen today.”
Bessent, who is openly gay, did not respond to the accusation. Instead, he focused on defending trade strategies used by both Trump and Biden administrations. He argued China had met trade obligations under Trump but that Biden failed to enforce them.
“That’s incorrect,” Bessent told Sanchez, pushing back on her claims. “China met the 2020 terms. The Biden administration didn’t hold them accountable.”
Sanchez criticized recent trade negotiations with China as rushed and flawed. “Deals made in two days lack real substance,” she warned. “A trade deal like that isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.”
Bessent pushed back again. “The agreement is only a starting point,” he replied. “Long-term enforcement will take time. China remains unpredictable.”
Committee Chairman Adrian Smith, a Republican from Nebraska, stepped in multiple times to keep the discussion on track. He reminded both sides to follow time rules and remain civil.
The trade hearing clash quickly gained traction online. The White House’s rapid response team called Sanchez’s remarks “shameful” in a social media post. Despite the controversy, lawmakers continued discussing trade enforcement and rising consumer prices. The clash reflected growing frustration on both sides.
Ultimately, the trade hearing clash highlighted tensions around trade, transparency, and how political discourse unfolds in public forums.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
