Washington: Saying the partial government shutdown gave him no choice but to order in, US President Donald Trump "personally paid" for burgers, pizzas and fries in what was the ultimate White House feast for a visiting college football winning team. With Trump battling Congress over funding the federal government for the Wall, White House chefs, who are among those granted leave of absence without paychecks, were not present to serve the guests.

Trump invited the Clemson Tigers to the White House to celebrate their national championship win with a feast amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, the longest in the US history. He ordered burgers and fries from McDonald's and the Wendy's with his own personal money, which he calls the "great American food."
"We ordered American fast food. Paid for by me. Lots of hamburgers, lots of pizza, I think they'd like it better than anything we could give," Trump said.

Trump said he likes them all. "I like it all. It's all good stuff, great American food. And it's going to be very interesting to see at the end of this evening how many are left."

"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 favourite fast foods," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.