Trump 'very surprised' after Sarah Sanders is thrown out of Arkansas restaurant: ‘It’s too bad’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump spoke to a reporter while traveling to Mar-a-Lago, reacting to news that Arkansas Governor and former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant. He was reportedly surprised when a reporter mentioned that the incident occurred in Sanders’s home state.

Sanders addressed the situation in an interview after her visit to the restaurant. She emphasized her approach, saying, “My administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down with discrimination and hate.” Sanders also said that the staff felt "threatened." 

Trump reacts to Sarah Sanders' restaurant incident

During a press session where he was asked about Iran, the US administration’s stance on war, and other topics, one question quickly drew attention online: how Trump would respond to news about Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

A reporter asked, “Your former press secretary, Sarah Sanders, was asked to leave a restaurant.” Trump seemed surprised and replied, “Where did it take place, here or in Arkansas?” When the reporter confirmed it happened in Arkansas, Trump said, “Wow, that’s very surprising," as per The Huffpost. 

He went on to defend Sanders, saying, “I won that state by so much. I think that Sarah is going to be just fine. But it’s too bad. She’s a good woman.” Trump also suggested that incidents like this reflect broader challenges and expressed hope that such situations would not discourage public service.

What happened with Sarah Sanders at the restaurant

According to her office, Sanders went to the restaurant on Friday, March 13, with her security team. They stayed for about an hour and fifteen minutes, sat at two tables, and had already paid and tipped the staff. After that, the restaurant owner asked a member of the security team to have the governor leave. 

Her office said the owner was concerned that her presence was making the employees feel uneasy because of her political views. Sanders and her group followed the request and left the restaurant. As they were leaving, someone with the staff shouted at them and made a rude hand gesture toward the governor.

During an interview with FOX News, Sanders spoke about being asked to leave during lunch at The Croissanterie restaurant in Little Rock, her home state.  “I was having lunch with two other moms at a restaurant when the owner approached a member of the State Police Executive Protection Detail and said my presence made their employees feel threatened and told us to leave,” Sanders said.

“Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality, and while that restaurant certainly does not meet that standard", she added. 

The restaurant also released a statement that contradicted Sanders, "As her security presence became more visible in the dining room, some employees and guests expressed discomfort. After the party completed their meal, a member of the security detail was quietly asked to help conclude the visit in line with our standard 90-minute table policy."