Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently shared her experience of dining on a dish containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during her trip to China. This unexpected anecdote has sparked both amusement and concern among the public. While some found humor in Yellen’s encounter with “magic mushrooms,” others expressed uneasiness and skepticism towards this unusual incident.

During an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Yellen recounted her unwitting consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms at a restaurant in Beijing. The mushrooms were included in a delicious dish arranged by the person organizing the dinner, and Yellen was unaware of their hallucinogenic properties at the time. It was only later that she discovered the true nature of the mushrooms.

Yellen explained that she and her companions thoroughly enjoyed the meal and experienced no ill effects from consuming the mushrooms. She attributed this to the proper cooking techniques employed by the restaurant, which supposedly neutralized the hallucinogenic properties. Despite the lighthearted nature of the conversation, concerns were raised regarding Yellen’s consumption of such substances while representing the United States on an official visit.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen explains eating a dish that contained “magic mushrooms” on her recent trip to China:

“There was a delicious mushroom dish. I was not aware that these mushrooms had hallucinogenic properties. I learned that later.” pic.twitter.com/WFRe92hHT8

— The Recount (@therecount) August 15, 2023

Yellen’s revelation about her encounter with “magic mushrooms” elicited a range of responses from the public. Some individuals found amusement in the situation, sharing jokes and memes on social media platforms. NPR correspondent David Gura even made an economics-related joke about the “transitory effects” of the mushrooms. However, not everyone viewed the incident with lightheartedness.

Critics, such as Senator John Cornyn, expressed astonishment and disbelief that a high-ranking official in the Biden administration would find herself in such a situation. Others, like self-proclaimed geopolitical analyst Eric Garland, raised concerns about potential intelligence operations and the need for diplomatic consequences if Yellen was deliberately targeted. These contrasting reactions highlight the diverse perspectives surrounding Yellen’s mushroom mishap.

Yellen’s trip to China took place in early July, and the mushroom incident occurred shortly after her arrival in Beijing. The restaurant where Yellen dined, part of the Yunnan food chain called Yi Zuo Yi Wang, later shared their delight on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, stating that Yellen “loved” the mushrooms and even ordered multiple portions of a Yunnan wild mushroom species called jian shou qing. The restaurant’s post generated significant attention and led to a surge in demand for their wild mushroom dish across China.

Despite the mushroom mishap becoming a topic of discussion, Yellen’s trip to China had broader objectives. She engaged in discussions surrounding economic competition, national security, and climate finance during her visit. Yellen deemed these talks as “productive,” underscoring the importance of addressing these critical issues in the bilateral relationship between the United States and China.

While Yellen’s mushroom adventure may have provided some comedic relief, it was not the only controversial aspect of her visit to China. Video footage emerged showing Yellen repeatedly bowing to a Chinese official during her time in Beijing. This gesture sparked criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of such deference from a high-ranking U.S. government official.