22 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:15 UTC · updated Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:29 UTC
Former President Barack Obama made a remark during a campaign rally in Ohio, comparing President Trump's gold-heavy White House renovations to Saddam Hussein opening a Cheesecake Factory. This comment sparked a political food fight, with President Trump and his administration responding by defending the renovations and the restaurant chain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent even had a French Dip Cheeseburger at a Cheesecake Factory near the White House, telling reporters that he would recommend it to the 'Martha's Vineyard set'. Obama later clarified that he frequently visited the restaurant while raising his daughters, and suggested that the focus should be on the rising cost of living rather than his joke.
The Cheesecake Factory, known for its diverse menu and eclectic decor, has become a cultural touchstone in the US. The restaurant chain, which began in Beverly Hills in 1978, now has hundreds of locations across the US and Canada. While the chain is positioned as an affordable treat, it also attracts a clientele that includes celebrities and elites.
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