MAGA lost it over ‘elitist’ Cheesecake Factory dig. But now they sit silent as Trump boasts about Mar-a-Lago food cost

Key Points:

• Former President Barack Obama sparked controversy among MAGA supporters by mocking Trump’s White House renovations, comparing them to a Cheesecake Factory, which some Republicans branded as elitist and out of touch with hardworking Americans.
• In response, President Trump undercut his allies' defense by joking at a Texas rally that his Mar-a-Lago resort is too expensive for most of his supporters, saying they could barely afford a hamburger there.
• The Cheesecake Factory, a casual dining chain with meals typically under $30, became a focal point in the political debate, with some Republicans visiting the restaurant to counter claims of elitism.
• Critics and commentators highlighted the contradiction in Trump’s remarks, noting that mocking the restaurant as elitist while admitting his own club is unaffordable for many supporters undermines the GOP’s populist messaging.
• As the midterms approach, Trump faces challenges convincing voters that he effectively addresses economic concerns, with his comments about Mar-a-Lago’s exclusivity fueling perceptions of disconnect from average Americans.