Trump serves McDonald’s, Burger King to visiting Clemson football team

by Brett Samuels - 01/14/19 10:14 AM ET

President Trump served food from fast food chains McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, as well as Domino’s pizza, to the national champion Clemson University Tigers during the football team’s visit to the White House.

Trump paid for the food himself, the White House said in a statement, noting he wanted to cater an event with “everyone’s favorite fast foods.”

“The President wanted to host a fun event to celebrate the College Football National Champion Clemson Tigers. 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,” the statement said.

{mosads}Trump stood behind a table full of burgers from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King as the Clemson players walked in to a jazz rendition of Michael Jackson’s song “Billie Jean.”

Some of the players cheered when they saw the food spread, which Trump called “great American food.”

“If it’s American I like it. It’s all American Stuff,” said Trump, when asked which was his favorite chain.

Another table was covered with Domino’s pizza and fries.

Trump had earlier in the day predicted the fast food offerings would likely be the players’ favorite food.

“I really mean it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. “It will be interesting. And I would think that’s their favorite food.”

“The Clemson national championship team will be coming tonight. It will be exciting. Very great team. Unbelievable team. I think we’re going to serve McDonalds, Wendys, and Burger King…some pizza. I really mean it. Their favorite food. So we’ll see what happens”
– Pres Trump pic.twitter.com/tOVbsRTUGN

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) January 14, 2019

Monday marks the second time the Clemson University football team visited Trump at the White House. The team also made the trip following its national championship victory in 2017.

Clemson defeated the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in this year’s national title game, blowing out the defending champions, 44-16.

Some championship athletes and teams have opted to forego the traditional White House visit since Trump took office. The president rescinded invitations to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in recent years after players on each team criticized Trump or indicated they did not plan to attend.

— Updated at 6:16 p.m.

Tags Donald Trump