The scent of burgers and fries has wafted through the White House as US President Donald Trump laid on a fast food feast for a champion college American football team. Mr Trump, a fast food lover, said he even paid for the meals himself because of the partial government shutdown, but did not disclose the bill. “We ordered American fast food, paid for by me. Lots of hamburgers, lots of pizza,” Mr Trump said after returning to the White House from a trip to New Orleans. The president, who was hosting a reception for the Clemson Tigers after they won the national championship, said: “We have some very large people that like eating, so I think we’re going to have a little fun.” Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said many of the staff in the White House residence are absent because of the shutdown, “so the president is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone’s favourite fast foods”. An impressive – and highly unusual – White House smorgasbord greeted the players. Silver trays held stacks of wrapped burgers from Wendy’s. Also on offer were boxed burgers from McDonald’s, including Big Macs. White House cups bearing the presidential seal held the fries. Pizzas, some topped with olives and tomatoes, were also on the menu. Silver bowls held the condiments, and stacks of white plates sat nearby. Several young men were spotted eating multiple burgers at the stand-up tables dotting the East Room. The Clemson team’s visit is its second since Mr Trump took office. The Tigers last visited in June 2017 after their championship run the previous season. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has hailed this season’s undefeated Tigers as the best college team ever. Mr Trump called them a “great team, an unbelievable team”. The president has routinely sparred with professional athletes during his two years in office. College football has managed to avoid such political controversies, with last year’s champions Alabama also visiting the White House. Published in Daily Times, January 16th 2019.