Bessent dines out to rebut Obama

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ordered a French Dip Cheeseburger for $22.95 at a Cheesecake Factory near the White House on Monday. The former hedge fund manager chose the meal to answer a recent critique by former President Barack Obama regarding the current administration's renovation of the executive mansion. Bessent praised the food before departing the restaurant.

Obama made the comparison during a campaign speech in Ohio on Saturday. He told the crowd that the White House looked like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. The former president noted the abundance of gold leaf in the Oval Office and questioned why Trump seemed so focused on home renovations. The audience laughed and cheered at the remark.

Bessent responded by pointing to the Obama Presidential Center. He told a Fox Business reporter that the center looks like Darth Vader's tomb. The structure opened in June. Bessent also suggested that the Martha's Vineyard set, a reference to Obama's vacation home on the island, should try the restaurant.

The burger Bessent ordered is described on the menu as a charbroiled cheeseburger served on a toasted brioche roll. It includes grilled onions, sriracha mayo, and au jus for dipping. Bessent later posted on X that he recommends the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. He directed this specific advice at Obama.

Trump defended the renovations on Monday afternoon. He stated that the White House is a symbol of America and requires proper maintenance. The president claimed that Obama did not notice broken ornaments or falling bricks during his time in office. Trump said the comparison to a cheesecake factory showed why Obama was a lousy president.

Political commentators reacted quickly to Obama's joke. Republican Matt Whitlock called the remark classic snobbery. Scott Jennings described Obama as undefeated at condescending to regular folks. Derek Guy, a menswear influencer, pushed back against the idea that the comment was class warfare. Guy noted that he grew up in a working-class family that ate at such restaurants for fancy nights out.

The exchange occurs days before the midterm elections on November 3. Polls indicate Democrats are positioned to make gains in Congress. High costs have driven down Trump's approval ratings. The Cheesecake Factory plans to report third-quarter earnings on Tuesday.