After at least one person had already asked the question, Geeraedts followed up to ask Hoekstra about a John Adams quote — Adams was America's first ambassador to Holland — that was mounted right behind the new ambassador.

Hoekstra said he had read the quote, which expresses Adams's hope that only “honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”

“If you’re truly an honest and wise man, could you please take back the remark about burned politicians or name the politician that was burned in the Netherlands?” Geeraedts asked.

In case you didn't know, the Dutch are known for their bluntness.