Bessent Orders Burger After Obama Joke

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ate a $22.95 burger at a Cheesecake Factory near the White House on Monday. He did so in direct response to a comment made by former President Barack Obama the day before.

Bessent, a former hedge fund manager with an estimated net worth of $600 million, left the restaurant and spoke to a Fox Business reporter. He criticized Obama for mocking the current administration's interior design. Bessent referred to Obama as the man who built a museum that looks like Darth Vader's tomb.

Bessent specifically cited the Obama Presidential Center, a large structure that opened in June. He told the reporter that he always has a great meal at the chain. He suggested that the Martha's Vineyard set, a reference to Obama's vacation home on that island, should try the food.

The former Treasury official ordered the French Dip Cheeseburger. The menu lists the item as a charbroiled cheeseburger on a toasted brioche roll with grilled onions, Sriracha mayo, and au jus for dipping. It is priced at $22.95 at the downtown Washington location. Bessent also posted on X, recommending the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls to Obama.

The exchange followed Obama's Saturday speech at a rally in Ohio. He supported gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown. Obama joked that Trump should be on HGTV because he is focused on home renovations. He noted the abundance of gold in the White House and compared the decor to a Cheesecake Factory.

Trump responded on Monday afternoon. He defended the White House redesign while claiming Obama failed to address necessary repairs. Trump said the White House is a symbol of America that must be maintained properly. He argued that Obama does not see the dirt, filth, or broken ornaments on the building. Trump stated that calling the house a cheesecake factory shows why Obama was a lousy president.

Critics of Obama's remark called the comparison class warfare. Republican commentator Matt Whitlock wrote on X that the restaurant is a great option for people who cannot afford a private chef. Pundit Scott Jennings said Obama has never been to a Cheesecake Factory. Other voices pushed back against this view. Menswear influencer Derek Guy wrote that working-class people are not culturally illiterate because of their limited means. He noted that his family ate at Red Lobster and Cheesecake Factory for fancy nights out.

The Cheesecake Factory is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings on Tuesday. The restaurant chain's financial results will be released while the political debate continues ahead of the November 3 midterm election.