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Trump’s Secret Stake in the Cheesecake Factory Fuels Midterm Rhetoric

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event – Stock Trades Amid White House Renovations

Financial disclosures filed in June show that former President Donald Trump bought and sold shares of the Cheesecake Factory during his first year back in office. Purchases valued between $1,001 and $15,000 occurred on January 30, February 3 and February 13 of the prior year. He then bought shares worth $15,001 to $50,000 on March 5 and April 8, followed by another $1,001 to $15,000 purchase on April 10. Sales of $15,001 to $50,000 were made on May 29, with a second tranche scheduled for November 24. As of December 31 2025, Trump still held a block valued between $15,001 and $50,000 and received a dividend of up to $2,000.

Daily Beast

02

Political Backdrop – Obama’s Comment and Republican Counter-attacks

During a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 24 2026, former President Barack Obama mocked the White House renovations, saying the executive residence resembled a Cheesecake Factory. The remark sparked a wave of Republican criticism. At a Mississippi rally on October 26 2026, Trump defended the restaurant as “a very successful business” and accused Obama of condescension. Commentators Jordan Uhl and Scott Jennings labeled Obama’s jab as elitist, while MAGA influencer Laura Loomer and Rep. Randy Fine posted supportive photos from the chain. Rep. Lance Gooden echoed the view that Obama’s criticism of a “nice dinner for hardworking Americans” was unsurprising.

Daily Beast

Visual evidence

Images from the story

MAGA fumed over Barack Obama's Cheesecake Factory dig - but Donald Trump’s remarks about Mar-a-Lago’s lofty prices has undercut that message ( Getty Images for The Cheesecake )
MAGA fumed over Barack Obama's Cheesecake Factory dig - but Donald Trump’s remarks about Mar-a-Lago’s lofty prices has undercut that message ( Getty Images for The Cheesecake )Photo: independent
The popular eatery was thrust into the limelight over the weekend. Flickr
The popular eatery was thrust into the limelight over the weekend. FlickrPhoto: thedailybeast
Trump complains about Obama dig that president's White House looks like a Cheesecake Factory
Trump complains about Obama dig that president's White House looks like a Cheesecake FactoryPhoto: independent
Trump joked that his supporters could barely afford a meal at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where a membership reportedly costs $1 million ( Getty )
Trump joked that his supporters could barely afford a meal at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where a membership reportedly costs $1 million ( Getty )Photo: independent
President Donald Trump attends a midterm election campaign rally for incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) at an arena in Corinth, Mississippi, US, October 26, 2026. Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS
President Donald Trump attends a midterm election campaign rally for incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) at an arena in Corinth, Mississippi, US, October 26, 2026. Jonathan Ernst/REUTERSPhoto: thedailybeast

03

Official Statements & Responses

Obama’s critique framed the White House makeover as excessive, prompting Trump to portray the Cheesecake Factory as a symbol of American success. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly dined at the Washington, D.C., location, signaling departmental support for the chain.

The Independent

04

Data & Statistics – Disclosure Summary

  • Purchase dates & ranges: Jan 30, Feb 3, Feb 13 ($1,001-$15,000); Mar 5, Apr 8 ($15,001-$50,000); Apr 10 ($1,001-$15,000).
Daily Beast
  • Sales: May 29 ($15,001-$50,000); scheduled Nov 24 ($15,001-$50,000).
Daily Beast
  • Holding as of Dec 31 2025: $15,001-$50,000 in stock; dividend up to $2,000.
Daily Beast

05

Verbatim Quotes

  • “He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” — Barack Obama, former US president
The Independent
  • “I had a great meal, always have a great meal,” — Scott Bessent, treasury secretary
The Independent