The State Department’s latest program did not receive an overwhelming positive response.
Over the weekend, the department stated in a tweet, “We’re excited about the [Diplomatic Culinary Partnership] with [Ambassador Rufus Gifford] and the [Beard Foundation.]”
The tweet continues, “Hear from [Sec Blinken] and [Chef Jose Andres] and see a few of the amazing chefs that will be part of this partnership. They know that diplomacy begins with great food.”
We’re excited about the #DiplomaticCulinaryPartnership with @us_protocol and the @beardfoundation. Hear from @secblinken and @chefjoseandres and see a few of the amazing chefs that will be part of this partnership. They know that diplomacy begins with great food. pic.twitter.com/8OsobUzRWI
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 11, 2023
Some users on Twitter did not appear to believe that this program would be a good use of the department’s time.
Former Congressman Scott Taylor wrote, “I’m sure the food is great. However, we are on the verge of WW3 and shooting down spying objects in our own airspace. [Priorities].”
I’m sure the food is great.
— Scott Taylor (@Scotttaylorva) February 12, 2023
However, we are on the verge of WW3 and shooting down spying objects in our own airspace. #priorities. https://t.co/caeWlHaF6t
One user replied, “‘Diplomacy begins with great food’ …my a**.”
“Diplomacy begins with great food”
— Matt Murphy (@mattmurphyshow) February 12, 2023
…my ass. https://t.co/PwHDoj0mBK
Another argued the program “shows what their priorities are. They are in it for themselves, nothing more.”
This shows what their priorities are.
— Councilman Robert Suppenbach (@SuppenbachR) February 12, 2023
They are in it for themselves, nothing more. https://t.co/S14C7iiM2I
Former Acting Director of the United States National Intelligence Richard Grenell replied, “No, no, no.
Diplomacy does not begin with good food. Stop! Foreign Service Officers should be furious with this type of messaging that emphasizes a weak State Department interested in food and travel.”
He continued, “Taxpayers pay diplomats to solve problems peacefully! We need tough diplomats”
https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1624780241326710784
Read more replies below:
Economy in shambles, people struggling to make ends meet, high food price, homelessness at crazy numbers (especially among the elderly) — and this is the US Gov.
— Cr4nk (@cr4nklive) February 12, 2023
https://twitter.com/CowboyExpat/status/1624782863336984578
What? People can’t afford food and to pay bills and this is what you come up with? Elitism at its finest! Slap in the face to every single Amercian.
— Barb 🇺🇸🌻 (@7Barb7) February 12, 2023
This is absurd. The least of our problems right now.
— cja (@Cynthia45269) February 12, 2023
According to the State Department’s website, “The Diplomatic Culinary Partnership embraces and utilizes food, hospitality, and the dining experience as diplomatic tools to engage foreign dignitaries, bridge cultures, and strengthen relationships with civil society.”
It continues, “Participants from the American Culinary Corps, the foreign Diplomatic Corps, culinary community members, and U.S. government officials gathered in-person on February 9, 2023 to celebrate the Department of State’s strides to advance the nation’s culinary diplomacy.”