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Presidents/Donald Trump

AT THE TABLE WITH DONALD TRUMP

The make-it-yourself cheeseburger

Do not press the patties while they cook: keep those juices in the burger.

Dinner25 minServes 4
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The make-it-yourself cheeseburger — the modern table
The modern table · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

A steak answer, and a burger order

More about Donald Trump →

The forty-fifth and forty-seventh president came from business and television.

Documented meal / preference

A White House account of Trump’s fast-food order identified hamburgers and fries. This homemade cheeseburger translates the stated food choice into an ordinary kitchen recipe.

The president & the table

Trump named steak as his favourite food in a published 2017 interview. A later White House account of his fast-food order identified hamburgers and French fries. Separating those statements is more useful than reducing his food habits to one internet anecdote.

Behind this story

Published Trump interview, 2017; White House briefing with Karoline Leavitt, May 2025.

APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.

Make it at home.

Serves 4

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

  1. Shape beef gently into 4 patties, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dent in each centre. Season the outsides.

  2. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill to medium-high. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F.

  3. Add cheese during the final minute. Toast the buns briefly.

  4. Build with lettuce, tomato, burger, pickles and sauces. Serve immediately.

Cooking notes

Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.

STAY FOR ANOTHER COURSE

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