Cheesecake Factory Revenue Reaches $1.03B as Menu Becomes a Political Prop

Former President Barack Obama's critique of the Trump White House's gold decor, comparing it to a Cheesecake Factory interior, has drawn a response from the President, the Vice President, and the Treasury Secretary. The exchange has centered on the restaurant chain and its financial scale.

The chain, founded in 1977, operates 218 locations. The company reported $1.03 billion in annual revenue. The decor, described by one writer as a mix of ancient Egypt and Las Vegas, became a reference point for political commentary.

Obama made the comparison at a rally on Saturday, stating, "like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. Just gold everywhere." He also referred to gold medallions on the mantel and a ballroom construction project. The former President described the administration as "not serious people" and referred to "two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption."

President Trump defended the White House renovations on Monday, saying, "I've taken care of the White House, I've fixed it with the finest artisans in the world." He added, "The White House is now in the best shape it's been since 1792." The White House X account posted an image of the Cheesecake Factory menu alongside a list of the administration's accomplishments.

Vice President JD Vance wrote on X that Obama was "super elitist." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited a restaurant near the White House on Monday, where he ate a French Dip Cheeseburger. Bessent later said, "I would just tell the Martha's Vineyard set to give it a try," and commented on the Obama Presidential Center's design.

Obama responded at a Georgia rally on Wednesday, stating, "The president wasn't even mad about the Saddam Hussein comparison! That part didn't bother him." He added, "They told him he should hold a press conference in front of the Cheesecake Factory." Obama also said he had been a customer for years.

At a Texas rally, President Trump discussed a proposed $5,000 payment to adult citizens if Republicans maintain control of Congress. He said the money could be spent at his Mar-a-Lago club, then added, "No, don't go there. That's not a good place if you're price-conscious."