A tense exchange unfolded Wednesday during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing when Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) accused Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of interrupting her “because I’m a woman,” drawing audible groans from attendees and swift backlash online, as reported by Fox News.

The incident occurred during a five-minute question period where Sanchez pressed Bessent over the impact of tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Sanchez claimed that tariffs were driving up the cost of everyday items such as clothing, canned goods, and household tools.

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“Prices are rising on many everyday goods,” she said, citing a figure that suggested the tariffs cost American households an additional $3,000 annually—though she did not provide a source for the number when asked.

As Bessent attempted to respond, Sanchez cut him off and stated, “Please don’t interrupt me… I know I’m a woman, but please try to limit yourself to answering my questions.”

Her remark prompted groans and audible reactions from the hearing room. One person was heard saying, “Oh, come on.” Sanchez doubled down, 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 address Sanchez’s accusation and instead continued defending the previous administration’s trade strategies.

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When Sanchez questioned the outcomes of trade negotiations and alleged that consumers were bearing the brunt of tariffs, Bessent responded directly: “That’s incorrect,” he said. “They met their agreements under President Trump in 2020, and President Biden did not enforce them.”

Sanchez claimed that trade talks with China were poorly handled and lacked transparency. “A poorly negotiated trade deal with China is probably not worth the paper that it is written on,” she said. S

he also cited a recent statement from Trump, saying, “I was alarmed to hear this morning that Trump said the U.S.–China deal was done after just two days of talks in London.”

In response, Bessent described the agreement as a targeted, preliminary step. “The deal struck was for a specific goal, and it will be a much longer process,” he said. “China has proven an unreliable partner.”

Committee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) intervened multiple times throughout the hearing to remind participants of their time limits and maintain decorum.

Sanchez to Bessent: “Please don’t interrupt me during my time. I know I’m a woman.” pic.twitter.com/aJ6Pbxico7

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2025

The moment quickly spread on social media platforms, where the White House’s rapid response account labeled Sanchez’s behavior as “shameful.”

As of Thursday morning, Congresswoman Sanchez’s office has not replied to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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