Bessent eats at Cheesecake Factory after Obama remark

A Cheesecake Factory near the White House served a French Dip Cheeseburger to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday. The meal occurred shortly after former President Barack Obama made a comment linking the current White House decor to the restaurant chain.

Obama spoke at a campaign event in Ohio earlier this week. He described President Donald Trump's preference for gold decor. Obama told the audience, "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

Bessent responded to the remark by visiting a location close to the White House. He told reporters about his lunch choice. "I had a great meal, always have a great meal," Bessent said. He added, "I would tell the Martha's Vineyard set to give it a try."

The exchange reignited a debate about the cost of the new White House ballroom. The project will cost $600 million or more. The ballroom is scheduled to host state dinners. Critics question why the government spends that amount on a dedicated space when options exist elsewhere.

Cheesecake Factory menus list more than 250 items. The chain offers dishes such as Chicken and Waffle Skewers, Tex-Mex Eggrolls, and Pickle Fries. State dinners often feature specific courses like yellow squash velouté or fricassée of fava beans. Guests at recent events included King Charles III and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron received a state dinner in 2018. The meal opened with a Goat Cheese Gateau. King Charles III attended a state dinner this spring. He was served Dover Sole Meunière with Potato Pavé, Spring Ramps, Snow Peas, and Parsley Oil.

The restaurant chain remains a popular choice for casual dining. Bessent's visit highlighted the restaurant's presence in national political discourse. The next scheduled state dinner at the White House has not been announced for this quarter.