White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, on Friday evening. The incident occurred at The Red Hen, where the owner cited objections to the policies of the Trump administration.
Sanders addressed the situation on social media, stating that her service was refused because she works for the President. She noted that she departed the premises politely after the request was made.
Stephanie Wilkinson, the owner of The Red Hen, stated that her staff expressed discomfort with Sanders' presence. The employees reportedly cited the administration's positions on LGBTQ rights and the separation of migrant families.
Wilkinson said she spoke with Sanders privately before asking her to leave the establishment. The owner described the interaction as a civil conversation regarding the restaurant's values and its commitment to its staff.
Following the encounter, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Sanders' father, alleged that the group was followed to a different location. He claimed that individuals from the restaurant followed them across the street to continue the protest.
Huckabee further stated that members of the party were "flipped off" by people associated with the restaurant. These claims have added controversy to the national debate regarding public accommodation and political civility.
The event sparked significant reactions across the political spectrum, leading to a surge in online reviews for the establishment. Critics argue that refusing service based on political affiliation is discriminatory and harmful to discourse.
Conversely, supporters of the owner’s decision maintain that private businesses should have the right to refuse service based on ethical convictions. This follows similar confrontations involving other administration officials in public spaces.
Legal experts noted that Virginia law does not explicitly include political affiliation as a protected class in public accommodations. The situation highlights deepening divisions regarding how political figures are treated in private settings.
The Red Hen has faced both intense criticism and vocal support following the event. Local authorities have monitored the area as the story continues to circulate through national media and social platforms.