On Monday night, President Trump hosted a dinner for the Clemson University Tigers to celebrate winning the NCAA championship. And what do you serve a championship football team from a South Carolina college, on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington D.C. to visit the White House? A buffet of McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Domino's, the low-cost, low-nutrition fast food you can purchase at the airport. (But it's all right, it's not like highly trained athletes care about what food they eat, right?)

The ludicrous image of the president proudly presenting cheap fast food on fancy silver platters went viral. On subreddits and on social media, people couldn't believe this was real life. Movie fans compared the photo to comical scenes from Kingsman and Talladega Nights. Fast food buffs speculated the food might have gone cold, turning the fries hard and the burgers soggy. Foreigners snarked that the picture is the perfect representation of the USA. Trump critics roasted the cheapskate gutbomb cuisine; Trump supporters praised the awesome blue collar party; and locals wondered why POTUS didn't order catering from various spots in D.C., including Trump Hotel's restaurant across the street.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/hunterw/status/1084954858254405633]]

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders blamed the budget buffet on the government shutdown. "Because the Democrats refuse to negotiate on border security, much of the residence staff at the White House is furloughed - so the President is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone's favorite fast foods," she said in a statement. (It is not clear if Sanders remembers Trump took responsibility for the government shutdown on December 11, stating, "I am proud to shut down the government for border security.")

Of course, it's no secret that Trump loves fast food. Last year, his former campaign managers wrote a tell-all book revealing his regular order at McDonald's: "Two Big Macs, two Fillet-O-Fish, and a chocolate malted." (And yes, that's one meal.) And before the Clemson Tigers arrived, he stood behind the table, praising the fast food feast. "If it’s American, I like it," Trump stated. "It’s all American stuff. No matter what we did, there’s nothing you can have that’s better than that, right?"

On Tuesday, President Trump commented on the dinner, with his typical Randomly Capitalized Words. But this time, the man behind "covfefe" made an embarrassing spelling error. "Great being with the National Champion Clemson Tigers last night at the White House," he tweeted. "Because of the Shutdown, I served them massive amounts of Fast Food. (I paid), over 1000 hamberders etc. Within one hour, it was all gone. Great guys and big eaters!"

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BurgerKing/status/1085213382192627717]]

Mmmm - who doesn't love delicious "hamberders?" They go so well with friders and Diet Kerrrrrd. Trump later deleted his tweet, but not before eagle-eyed journalists captured the moment for posterity. And the typo did not go unnoticed by one of Trump's favorite fine restaurants, Burger King. The fast food giant trolled the fast food president, tweeting, "due to a large order placed yesterday, we're all out of hamberders. just serving hamburgers today."

Well, that's bad news! I hope they don't run out of covefefe.

Is Donald Trump lovin' it? You bet he is!

The grand mahogany table of the White House State Dining Room was full of Big Macs, Chicken Legends and salty fries (all served on fine china, of course) on Monday after the president served fast food to a winning sporting team for the second time.

The former reality TV star's guests of honour this time were the North Dakota State Bison football team which won the FCS College Football Championship in January for the seventh time in eight years - and was rewarded with Wendy's, Chick-fil-A and Macy's at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/kathrynw5/status/1102619241419816962]]

His decision to give the team fast food has been heavily discussed online, given the fact that it's not the first time it's happened.

In mid-January, the 72-year-old ordered in McDonald's, Burger King, pizza and Wendy's to feed the Clemson Tigers, winners of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

At the time, the move was put down to the government shutdown and blamed on the Democrats. About a quarter of the federal government was shut down for 35 days after Trump demanded $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico. It was the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, one where some 800,000 federal employees were forced to go on unpaid leave or work without pay.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

"The President wanted to host a fun event to celebrate the College Football National Champion Clemson Tigers," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement at the time. "Because the Democrats refuse to negotiate on border security, much of the residence staff at the White House is furloughed - so the President is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone's favourite fast foods."

In addition, Trump himself said: "They had a fantastic game against Alabama and they’re all here. They’re right outside the room and I think we’re going to let you see them. But I’ll bet you, as much food as we have — we have pizzas, we have 300 hamburgers, many, many french fries, all of our favourite foods.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

"I want to see what’s here when we leave, because I don’t think it’s going to be much. The reason we did this is because of the shutdown. We want to make sure that everything is right, so we sent out, we got this."

The reasoning for ordering in fast food this time was seemingly due to the president's perceived success of the first time, with him telling his guests: "We could've had chefs, we could have, but we had fast food -- because I know you people."

However, the move has been criticised online, with many people on social media insisting that champion sporting teams deserved a "real meal" rather than "cold burgers."

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/1102623522910818305]]

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/alan_yola/status/1103243585116241920]]

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/AreLights/status/1103186824439173120]]

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/gpatrick271/status/1103160201912430593]]

So, should Trump carry on this tradition of offering up cheapy takeaway grub to sports champs? Or does the president need to sort his act out and give them the good stuff?

There are some sights you never think you'll see. One of them was a president serving up a colossal McDonald's feast to guests at the White House. But last night, Donald Trump blew all our expectations out of the water when, rather than a state dinner, he ordered in McDonald's, Burger King, pizza and Wendy's to feed the Clemson Tigers.

Served on silver platters, the fast-food was a far cry from the usual lavish fine dining served at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - and the rest of America wasn't quite sure what to make of it...

Trump announced on Monday that the winners of the College Football Playoff National Championship would be greeted with an array of fast food options to celebrate their win, saying: "I think we're going to serve McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger Kings with some pizza. I really mean it. It'll be interesting."

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

He made good on his promise - as pictures of Trump preparing to welcome the players with fast-food served on silver plates emerged, no one could quite believe it

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

Around 300 burgers were set out for the players to eat, according to the White House

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/EddieXGambino/status/1084962574888620032]]

"The President wanted to host a fun event to celebrate the College Football National Champion Clemson Tigers," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

She continued to blame the Democrats for the controversial spread, stating: "Because the Democrats refuse to negotiate on border security, much of the residence staff at the White House is furloughed - so the President is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone's favourite fast foods"

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BimtheVillain/status/1084966563185344513]]

America's billionaire leader asserted that it was the right option, saying: "We have some very large people that like eating. So I think we’re going to have a little fun"

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BarkyBoogz/status/1084963995226902529]]

"I want to see what’s here when we leave, because I don’t think it’s going to be much," he added

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

The food was also patriotic, the former reality TV star claimed. When asked whether he preferred McDonald’s or Wendy’s, he noted: "If it’s American, I like it. It’s all American stuff. No matter what we did, there’s nothing you can have that’s better than that, right?"

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/hunterw/status/1084954858254405633]]

About a quarter of the federal government has been shut down for the past 24 days after Trump demanded $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]

Some 800,000 federal employees have been forced to go on unpaid leave or work without pay since December 22

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BarkyBoogz/status/1084963995226902529]]

As the closure enters its fourth week, it shows no signs of resolution

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/EAFreire58/status/1085006343638011904]]

In other news, thousands of trolls have signed a petition to rename the street in front of Trump Tower after Obama.

As one of the most recognisable and historically significant buildings in the country, it’s hardly surprising that tradition is a big deal in the White House. Whether it’s creating a new Christmas theme or pardoning a lucky turkey, there are some things that are just expected of a First Family. However, if the current administration has proved anything, it’s that tradition isn’t set in stone.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/nycjim/status/1122996651109515264]]

President Trump and co have already forged a reputation for the unorthodox that extends far beyond the walls of the White House. But, while his attitude to the presidential residence may not be the most significant aspect of his premiership, it may just be one of the most illuminating. Already, the Trumps have set new precedents over where they spend their time and how they get from A to B, but it is with catering that they are most obviously tearing up the traditional rule book. Once upon a time, White House guests might have expected a formal audience, a black tie dinner, or at least something cooked on the premises. Trump sees things differently.

In what is fast becoming the latest arbitrary White House ritual, Trump welcomed yet another champion athletics team to his home with an enormous fast food feast. On Monday, the president hosted the Baylor women's basketball team, who in the process became the first women's championship team to be honoured individually at the Trump White House. Their reward was a nutritionally questionable spread of Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/travisakers/status/1123015087676108800]]

Anyone who’s been keeping abreast of edible developments in the current regime will know that this isn’t the first time that guests have been treated to a deep fried buffet. Championship winning football team the Clemson Tigers were the first to receive the dubious honour in January, while the North Dakota State Bison enjoyed the same treatment in March. Clearly a pattern is emerging.

Prior to the event, the Trump administration had come under scrutiny for not hosting a single women’s team for their own unique presidential reception, as opposed to their male counterparts. While women’s teams had been invited to attend an audience with the president before Monday, The Lady Bears’ dinner was the first time that the courtesy had been extended to a team solely consisting of female athletes.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BarstoolSicEm/status/1122971202262376451]]

For more conservative presidential commentators, the idea of a White House catering with fast food is anathema to everything that the office is supposed to stand for. However, if you look at the long list of silly things that presidents are supposed to do, you’d be hard pressed to argue that providing fast food is any less ridiculous or disrespectful than at least a dozen other activities. Who’s to say that Donald Trump’s most significant lasting impact on the presidency won’t end up being what celebrated sports stars get served for dinner?

This article was originally posted on TwistedFood.co.uk.

President Donald Trump surprised a room full of McDonald’s franchise owners this week with some unexpected feedback – channeling his inner fast food critic.

During the McDonald's Impact Summit, the longtime Filet-o-Fish fanatic took the mic and told franchisees exactly what was missing from his go-to menu item.

Tariffs, Dividends and Filet-o-Fish: The Connecting Thread

To some, the anti-tartar-sauce jab may seem trivial. But in the bigger picture, it ties in with Trump’s ongoing crusade around tariffs and working-class American spending power.

Weeks ago, the president promised “dividends” from tariff revenue – suggesting Americans could receive “thousands of dollars” before the 2026 midterm elections thanks to trade policy gains.

Credit: Samuel Corum / Getty Images.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the idea of $2,000-level payments to moderate-income households was under consideration. He noted these payments might not even be direct checks, but could come as tax breaks, changes in overtime and Social Security rules, or other financial relief.

So, what did Trump actually say?

“Everybody loves something at McDonald’s. I like the fish… You could do a little bit more tartar sauce though, please, seriously,” he said.

For a moment, the room went quiet. Then, given the setting, people started quietly chuckling – and perhaps wondering if he’d just launched a presidential tartar-sauce challenge.

But the Bigger Drama Is Still Elsewhere

Meanwhile, Trump also announced a surprising U-turn earlier this week. He signalled support for releasing classified documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, after months of resistance. The move triggered an avalanche of media coverage, overshadowing jokes about tartar sauce – but linking back to the broader theme of transparency, accountability, and public trust.

So yes, Trump asked for more tartar sauce. But that message resonated for more than fast food fans. In a single line, he touched on consumer choice, working-class priorities and his broader economic agenda. Add in trade policy, dividend promises, and Epstein file drama – and you’ve got a moment that’s quirky, memetic, and distinctly Trump.

After all, if the President can weigh in on the condiment you’re served at a drive-thru, maybe the bigger picture isn’t all that surprising.

Featured image credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images.

We all know Donald Trump loves fast food. When he was on the campaign trail, he posted a picture of himself eating KFC with a knife and a fork. In an interview with Anderson Cooper, he called McDonald's Big Macs and Fillet-O-Fish "great stuff." In the White House, he orders Coca-Cola by pushing a little red button on his desk. His lifestyle's rich and classy, but his meals are the exact opposite. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/760299757206208512]] There's nothing wrong with eating a little fast food now and then. Well, there is, but shut up, it's delicious. There are times when we've all said, "Screw it. I'm not making dinner, I'm going to Taco Bell." We might regret it the next day (or in an hour), but it was so worth it. Even Bill Clinton famously enjoyed his Mickey D's. When presidents eat the same crap we do, they seem more relatable. However, a new book reveals Trump's diet to be much grosser - and weirder - than we imagined. Trump's former campaign managers Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie wrote Let Trump Be Trump. It's a tell-all book that offers a glimpse behind the curtain of Donald Trump's wild, unpredictable crisis-filled campaign. There are a lot of juicy details - like how press secretary Hope Hicks steamed Trump's pants while he was still wearing them - but the juiciest details are about his diet. Actually, I shouldn't use the word juice. Juice is too healthy. I think grease is more appropriate. The greasiest details are about his diet. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/]] According to the authors, Trump's typical order at McDonald's is “Two Big Macs, two Fillet-O-Fish, and a chocolate malted.” First of all, beef, fish and a milkshake? Gross. Second, wow, all that food's just for him? That equals 2,430 calories and 11g of fat. The daily recommended calorie intake for a not-very-active man Trump's age is 2,000 calories. He's exceeding it with one meal! Maybe he thinks the daily recommended calorie intake is "fake news." (Or maybe he burns a lot of calories rage-tweeting every morning.) But there are even greasier details. Bossie and Lewandowski write, "On Trump Force One there were four major food groups: McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, pizza and Diet Coke.” Remember when Trump tweeted, "I have never seen a thin person drinking Diet Coke"? I guess he was speaking from experience. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/257552283850653696]] And that's not all. The plane was also stocked with fruit and vegetables. Just kidding. The plane was also stocked with Vienna Fingers, potato chips, pretzels and "many packages of Oreos." Why multiple packages? As a noted germophobe, Trump refused to eat out of any package that was previously opened. And this diet was taken very seriously. The authors wrote that “the orchestrating and timing of Mr. Trump’s meals was as important as any other aspect of his march to the presidency." (Though with this diet, it's more of a waddle than a march.) You may wonder, is this really the healthiest diet for a 71-year-old man? Well, there's no reason to worry about Trump's health. In December 2015, Trump's personal doctor, Harold Bornstei, described his health as “astonishingly excellent" after a five minute assessment. Then he added “If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." Forget the Atkins diet - get on the Trump diet, and order “Two Big Macs, two Fillet-O-Fish, and a chocolate malted.” It's all part of the art of the meal.