Bessent Dines at Cheesecake Factory After Obama's White House Jibe
The Treasury Secretary ate a French Dip Cheeseburger near the White House following a comment by Obama about the residence's gold decor.
By Beatriz Bailey ·
600 million dollars is the estimated cost to build a new White House ballroom, a figure that has fueled new debate over how the executive branch hosts state dinners.
The discussion erupted this week after former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump's preference for gold interiors during a campaign event in Ohio. Obama described the current aesthetic by saying, "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the critique with a direct visit to a Cheesecake Factory location near the White House. Bessent ordered a French Dip Cheeseburger for lunch. He told reporters, "I had a great meal, always have a great meal. I would tell the Martha's Vineyard set to give it a try."
The exchange highlights a practical question regarding the use of taxpayer funds for formal dining spaces. Critics argue that the cost of constructing a dedicated ballroom is high compared to renting existing commercial venues. Proponents of the new construction note that state dinners require specific layouts and security protocols that standard restaurants may not accommodate.
Cheesecake Factory menus currently list more than 250 items. The chain offers dishes such as Chicken and Waffle Skewers, Tex-Mex Eggrolls, and Pickle Fries. These options contrast with traditional state dinner fare, which often includes specific regional or historical dishes chosen to honor visiting dignitaries.
During a state dinner this spring, King Charles III of the United Kingdom was served Dover Sole Meunière. The meal included Potato Pavé, Spring Ramps, Snow Peas, and Parsley Oil. In 2018, President Emmanuel Macron of France received a state dinner that began with a Goat Cheese Gateau.
The Cheesecake Factory also serves items like Buffalo Blasts, which consist of chicken, cheese, and hot sauce wrapped in a spicy crust. The dish is deep-fried and served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Another menu option is Asian Chicken Nachos, which features wonton chips, peanut sauce, and fromage fondu.
Source: NPR
