Yellen’s China ‘Trip’ Included ‘Magic Mushrooms’
When most officials travel abroad on diplomatic visits, the focus usually centers on the implications for international relations, security, or trade agreements. However, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent trip to China spotlighted an unexpected culinary choice, introducing an unconventional wrinkle to her diplomatic expedition.
During an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Yellen candidly revealed her unintentional venture into the world of “magic mushrooms” at a Beijing restaurant. “The person who had arranged our dinner did the order and there was a delicious mushroom dish. I was not aware that these mushrooms had hallucinogenic properties. I learned that later,” Yellen stated. She reassured Burnett that no side effects were experienced due to the proper cooking method utilized by the restaurant.
This revelation has, unsurprisingly, sent waves through both social media and political circles. Some have responded with humor, while others voiced genuine concerns. For instance, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) remarked on the X platform, formerly Twitter: “A Biden cabinet member was served hallucinogenic mushrooms in China? Can’t make this stuff up.”
The situation was further complicated by comments like that of Eric Garland, a geopolitical analyst with a significant following on X. He pointed out, “Intelligence officers use psychedelics to compromise their targets. If they targeted Janet Yellen as part of an operation, diplomatic punishments should be swift and harsh.” Given the ever-present concerns about China’s espionage and influence strategies, comments like Garland’s tap into broader fears, even if the dinner seems more mishap than malevolent.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest weighed in, wryly noting, “Joe Biden’s America: The Treasury Secretary gets booked on CNN to talk about shrooming while in China.” Jake Schneider of the Republican National Committee added, “This is a very serious administration.”
Beyond the mushrooms, Yellen’s visit to China aimed to discuss economic competition, national security, and “climate finance.” She described her meetings with Chinese officials as “productive,” yet video footage emerged depicting her bowing multiple times to a Chinese official, adding another layer of criticism to her trip.
It’s important to contextualize this incident. The mushrooms Yellen consumed are known as jian shou qing, which have hallucinogenic properties but can be safely consumed when appropriately cooked. Following her meal, the dish’s popularity soared in China. CNN noted that the chain’s wild mushroom dish was consistently sold out after Yellen’s inadvertent endorsement.
Yet, the fiasco underscores a bigger point. In the realm of international politics and diplomacy, every gesture, every word, and now, every meal choice can become a focal point of analysis and speculation. While Yellen’s trip was intended to stabilize economic ties through “candor” and “respect,” this unexpected culinary experience has inevitably diverted some attention from the main objectives of the visit.
For supporters of the Biden administration, this incident might be brushed off as a mere culinary misadventure. But for critics, it offers another opportunity to question the administration’s approach and decisions, even if the dish was just a simple, albeit hallucinogenic, plate of mushrooms.
