Tom Colicchio, the celebrity chef, went viral this week for serving up the big ol’ plate of political embarrassment.
On October 26, Colicchio posted a now-deleted photo of himself and his wife in an elegant White House room and captioned it:
“My wife and I in the East Wing. I can’t believe it’s gone.”
It’s true that the East Wing is currently under demolition for President Trump’s new privately funded ballroom project.
One problem: They weren’t in the East Wing in the picture.
They were in the Diplomatic Reception Room, part of the main residence.
In other words – not even close.
Within minutes, the internet lit him up like the Capitol Christmas tree (which happens to come from Nevada this year).
Community Notes swooped in to correct him, pointing out that the room he bragged about isn’t even part of the area being renovated.
When “Hot Takes” Go Cold
Conservatives had a field day.
Mollie Hemingway chimed in, “I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that that room is not in the East Wing and not gone.”
Sen. Mike Lee piled on: “You’re in luck! That’s not the East Wing.”
Even the official White House X account couldn’t resist, replying “Yikes” – and then twisting the knife with “If you can’t take the heat… YIKES.”
When the White House account dunks on you, you know you’ve burned your soufflé.
Colicchio’s post racked up over 10,000 likes, 2,000 reposts, and more than 1,500 replies — mostly people roasting him to a crisp.
My daughter and I in the East Wing with Jesse Waters. I can’t believe it’s gone. pic.twitter.com/pevQCA1i7S
— Chuck Muth (@ChuckMuth) October 27, 2025
One user joked, “My wife and I in the East Wing,” posting a photo inside an Olive Garden. Another quipped, “At least the appetizers aren’t demolished.”
Chef Tom accidentally created one of the best memes of the year and singlehandedly reminded America why smug celebrity activism ages like milk.
Meanwhile, Back in the Real East Wing…
Here’s what all the fuss is really about: President Donald Trump is adding a massive ballroom to the White House.
It’s estimated between $250 million and $350 million, and funded privately.
Construction started October 20. Democrats and media elites immediately freaked out, calling it “vandalism” of a historic site.
Meanwhile, Trump supporters point out that past presidents have made plenty of big upgrades – from Franklin Roosevelt’s expansions to Truman’s total rebuild after WWII.
And really, who’s shocked? It’s Trump. Of course he’s going to add a ballroom.
The important thing is that it’s not taxpayers footing the bill.
Critics who’re clutching their pearls over this renovation are ignoring actual problems in the country – like inflation, border chaos, and a federal debt ballooning faster than a casino buffet line in Reno.
The Smug Elite vs. the Rest of Us
This little episode says a lot about how elitist outrage works – and how quickly it falls apart under a little sunlight.
The left screams “scandal!” over everything Trump touches.
Then one of their own – like Colicchio – jumps in to posture for social media and faceplants in spectacular fashion.
It’s the same pattern we see every election cycle.
They mock conservatives, posture about “truth,” and then get caught not knowing basic facts.
It’s more political theater, with added Hollywood lighting.
Meanwhile, Nevadans are paying more for groceries, gas, and rent while D.C. keyboard warriors are arguing over which wing of the White House has the fancier wallpaper.
The Smell of Burnt Ego
Colicchio’s “East Wing” moment is the perfect snapshot of liberal virtue-signaling gone wrong – smug, shallow, and self-serving.
If there’s one thing a chef should understand, it’s heat. After this week, he’s feeling plenty of it.
Maybe the next time Tom Colicchio’s tempted to post, he should keep it in the oven a little longer before serving it up to the world.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
