With the government shutdown dragging on, much of the White House residential staff has been sent home. However, for the Trump administration, the show must go on. With Clemson having recently won the college football playoffs, first beating Notre Dame and then Alabama, they were due for a White House visit.
Yet with the staff on leave, Clemson wasn’t able to enjoy the usual amenities of the White House, which is renowned for having one of the best kitchens in the world. That’s why President Trump shelled out his own money to treat the Clemson football team. And while the food may have been less than over-the-top, it was served up on silver platters.
While the Trump Organization has sold wine, steak, and other luxury foods, and Trump hotels often host high-end restaurants, the president kept it simple. The Clemson football team was treated to a variety of fast food options, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and pizza.
The president is also known for having a soft spot for fast food himself, frequently eating McDonald’s and other similar foods. At the same time, you can’t blame the president for being economic, given that the average college football team has over 100 people on the roster. As the president noted, “we have some very large people that like eating. So I think we’re going to have a little fun.”
For President Trump, simply hosting the Clemson football team is a bit of a breakthrough. The president had previously canceled visits from the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia Eagles after players on the teams criticized him.
For President Trump, the event was almost certainly a welcomed distraction. The government shutdown is now the longest ever and there’s still no end in sight. Meanwhile, allegations of collusion with Russia are picking up steam. The president, unsurprisingly, has been lashing out following allegations that he has been trying to obfuscate meetings with Putin and other Russian leaders.
So while more fast food might not have been what the doctor ordered, it was likely a welcomed reprieve for the president.
