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In the city that never stops being political, the newly restored government will likely bring a fresh wave of controversy to Washington’s restaurants. The Trump administration may have started a precedent for more political expression, with restaurant owners and staff taking on more vocal roles in the political arena. But as a new administration takes over, opinions on how to engage with the political climate vary from empowered to disheartened.
Restaurant owners and staff are aware of the potential risks involved in hosting Trump officials, from the backlash that may ensue to the security concerns for both the officials and the restaurant. Some are willing to take on these risks head-on, while others prefer to find more subtle ways to resist without causing a scene.
The concept of “civility” in a post-COVID world is already under scrutiny, with Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ call to “push back” on Trump officials still resonating. Restaurant owners such as the Managing Director of the National Democratic Club highlight the potential dangers of a hypervigilant atmosphere in restaurants, where a political figure’s presence can evoke visceral reactions from diners and staff alike.
Perhaps more concerning, however, is the invasion of privacy surrounding official’s personal lives. Congresswoman Suzannah Van Rooy, a server and manager at Beuchert’s Saloon, shares her red lines: she would refuse to serve officials who support morality-crushing decisions or participate in anti-immigration policies.
The resistance to Trump officials is not about being anti-Republican; it’s about appreciating the division and the harm that this administration can cause. Nancy, a fine-dining bartender, would choose to refuse to serve certain officials for moral reasons alone.
Dining decorum and “civility” are not as straightforward as they used to be in the age of social media and division. Bartender Joseph, working at several top restaurants and bars in the city, has seen firsthand how Trump officials treat staff and their preferences, with Republicans often being more low-maintenance and generous. He believes serving these individuals could be a way to It’s impossible, after all, to avoid dirty money, and the pursuit of a political agenda could come at the expense of personal principles.
One restaurateur whose establishment hosted a fundraising dinner for high-profile House Republicans shares a similar view: while the staff were initially uncomfortable, the owner encouraged his employees to prioritize their profession’s core principles of hospitality, de-escalating situations rather than escalating them.
The line between mandatory segregation and tolerance has become increasingly blurred, as even the most upscale restaurants now host certain individuals. Restaurants with history of confrontation, such as the infamous Fiola incident in 2018, sometimes weigh the long-term risks of association with online hate and even death threats.
For many, the idea of serving the newly restored government will It’s impossible, after all, to avoid dirty money, and the pursuit of a political agenda could come at the expense of personal principles. Some restaurateurs might choose a hypervigilant approach to avoid any potential backlash. Restaurants are once again being thrust into the center of D.C.’s political landscape, whether they like it or not.