Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio Faces Backlash Over Misleading White House Photo

Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio sparked controversy on social media after posting a photo that incorrectly claimed to show him and his wife in the White House’s East Wing. The post, which quickly received a fact-check correction on X (formerly Twitter), has drawn criticism for spreading misinformation about the historic building.

“My wife and I in the East Wing. I can’t believe it is gone,” Colicchio wrote alongside the image of the couple in an elegantly appointed White House room. The chef appeared to be referencing the recent demolition work that began on October 20 as part of President Donald Trump’s project to construct a new ballroom at the White House.

However, users on the platform were quick to point out the inaccuracy. A community note appended to Colicchio’s post clarified: “This is clearly the Diplomatic Reception Room, which can be found in the main White House building, NOT the East Wing. A picture featuring the painting, fireplace, and bits of the wallpaper can be found here.”

The Diplomatic Reception Room, located on the ground floor of the White House’s main building near the South Lawn, remains untouched by the current construction project. The room is historically significant as the location where Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered many of his famous “fireside chats” during the Great Depression and World War II.

U.S. Senator Mike Lee joined those correcting the record, responding directly to Colicchio’s post with: “You’re in luck! That’s not the East Wing.”

The comment section of Colicchio’s post filled with critical responses. “Don’t lie,” wrote one user, while another explained: “Kindly Tom, I understand you would prefer foreign dignitaries be welcomed in a portable tent in the middle of winter but presenting a picture of yourself in the Diplomatic Reception room which is on the South lawn not the East Wing is a false presentation.”

Some users added humor to their corrections, with one joking using a Harry Potter reference: “That’s actually the Room of Requirement. Don’t worry, it moves around.”

Colicchio, known for his role as head judge on the popular cooking competition show “Top Chef” and as the founder of Crafted Hospitality restaurant group, has been vocal about political issues in the past, particularly regarding food policy and sustainability.

The East Wing, which houses the First Lady’s offices and has historically served for White House social events, has indeed seen demolition work begin as part of Trump’s ambitious ballroom project. Trump first mentioned the project in July, assuring that it “won’t interfere with the current building.”

At a White House event on Monday, President Trump referenced the construction, saying simply, “We’re building right behind us. We’re building a ballroom.” The White House has emphasized that the project is being privately funded, stating on its official X account: “For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new, big White House Ballroom. Privately funded, it costs taxpayers nothing & will be cherished for generations.”

The ballroom project has generated significant discussion since its announcement. With estimated costs potentially reaching $200-250 million according to some reports, questions have been raised about funding sources and the architectural impact on the historic White House grounds.

While photos of the East Wing demolition have circulated on social media, Colicchio’s misidentification of his location within the White House complex has inadvertently added to public confusion about which portions of the historic building are affected by the current construction project.