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Treasury Secretary Bessent Heckled Over Sanctions Controversy

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced protests in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, as Olivia DiNucci of CODEPINK accused him of economic war crimes, saying sanctions kill about 600,000 people annually.
Bessent mocked the protesters.
He attempted to have restaurant staff intervene.
CODEPINK has funding from billionaire Neville Singham and has a history of anti-war activism.
The incident adds to Bessent's record of public heckling.

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Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced protests in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, as Olivia DiNucci of CODEPINK accused him of economic war crimes, saying sanctions kill about 600,000 people annually.
Bessent mocked the protesters.
He attempted to have restaurant staff intervene.
CODEPINK has funding from billionaire Neville Singham and has a history of anti-war activism.
The incident adds to Bessent's record of public heckling.