Washington, D.C.'s restaurant scene is once again preparing for a politically charged atmosphere with the return of the Trump administration. Reports indicate some food service workers are prepared to express their disapproval, raising concerns about potential clashes similar to those experienced during Trump's first term.

Several incidents of harassment targeting Trump officials and allies occurred during the previous administration. In 2018, Senator Ted Cruz and his wife were forced to leave Fiola, an upscale Italian restaurant, after being confronted by protesters over his support for Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination.

That same year, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was driven from MXDC Cocina Mexicana by protesters opposing the administration's family separation policy. Senior advisor Stephen Miller reported being harassed after picking up a sushi order, ultimately discarding the food out of concern for tampering. Even outside of D.C., then-Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave The Red Hen in Lexington, Virginia, due to her association with the administration.

Recent interviews with D.C. hospitality workers reveal a range of opinions. Some express intentions to actively protest, while others, like a bartender named Joseph, acknowledge their political disappointment but anticipate increased business and better tips with the influx of Republicans.

The Washingtonian reports that some in the industry feel compelled to express their dissent, viewing it as a matter of conscience. One restaurant veteran questioned whether the public should be expected to passively accept the presence of figures like RFK Jr. dining out. This sentiment suggests the potential for further confrontations.

As the Trump administration returns to the capital, the city's restaurants are bracing for a renewed wave of political tension, highlighting the ongoing divide within the nation and its potential to spill over into everyday life.