Reports of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s volatile behavior, including a bizarre restaurant incident and threats against colleagues, are fueling concerns about his temperament.
The scene in a Washington, D.C. restaurant last December was quiet until Olivia DiNucci, a lead organizer for CodePink, interrupted the room. She stood near the table where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was dining and delivered a cutting. sarcastic toast. decrying him as a man eating in peace while people across the world suffer under sanctions she termed “economic warfare.”.
Bessent did not remain silent. He retorted by calling DiNucci “ignorant” before rising from his seat to confront the restaurant staff. According to an eyewitness and the owner of the establishment. the situation escalated rapidly as the Treasury Secretary stomped around the dining room. In a final display of frustration, Bessent spit into his own food before storming out. He reportedly erupted at the restaurant owner for failing to eject the protesters before his departure.
This incident is part of a pattern of behavior that suggests a volatile temperament within the upper echelons of the Treasury Department. In September 2025, at a MAGA dinner, Bessent repeatedly threatened Bill Pulte, a housing official appointed by President Donald Trump. Witnesses recall Bessent warning Pulte, “I’m gonna punch you in your fucking face.”.
The office culture appears equally strained. Sources familiar with the internal workings of the department describe an event last year where Bessent hurled his daily briefing book at a wall. His grievance stemmed from the way the binder was organized. Bessent has denied that the incident occurred.
These outbursts, documented in recent accounts, draw direct parallels to the explosive style often associated with President Donald Trump. Whether in a public dining room or within the confines of his private office. Bessent’s response to criticism and administrative frustration has frequently shifted from verbal confrontation to physical displays of temper. As these accounts surface. they suggest a tenure marked as much by internal volatility as by the high-stakes policy decisions managed by the Treasury.
Scott Bessent Treasury Secretary CodePink Bill Pulte Washington DC Trump administration political news