President Biden's Lavish State Dinner for Kenya Amidst Economic Woes

Despite ongoing inflation and economic hardship, the White House hosted a "swanky" state dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto, complete with a luxurious menu and entertainment.

President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, have extended the red carpet to Kenyan President William Ruto for a three-day state visit, culminating in a lavish state dinner at the White House. The event has drawn criticism for its opulence, given the economic struggles facing many Americans.

The dinner menu, planned by First Lady Jill Biden, features an array of delectable dishes, including:

* Chilled heirloom tomato soup with sourdough crisps and arbequina olive oil

* Fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs and butter-poached lobster with citrus butter, baby kale, and sweet corn purée

* Dessert: A white chocolate basket with banana ganache, raspberries, peaches, and candied lime zest

The culinary extravaganza will be accompanied by an impressive selection of wines, including a Hartford Court Chardonnay, a St. Innocent Winery pinot noir, and an Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut sparkling wine.

Entertainment for the evening includes performances by the Howard Gospel Choir and country music star Brad Paisley, reflecting the preferences of President and First Lady Ruto.

The state dinner is intended to showcase the diplomatic unity between the United States and Kenya, which has recently sent 1,000 police officers to Haiti as part of a UN-led effort to address the security crisis. Kenya is also the first African nation since 2008 to be honored with a state visit by the United States.

However, the opulence of the event has raised eyebrows, especially in light of the current economic downturn. Many Americans are struggling with rising inflation, high fuel prices, and supply chain disruptions.

Critics argue that the lavish state dinner sends the wrong message to those who are struggling financially. They contend that the government should be more focused on addressing the economic challenges facing the nation rather than spending taxpayer dollars on such extravagant events.

The White House has defended the state dinner as a necessary diplomatic gesture and a way to honor Kenya's partnership with the United States. They argue that the event will strengthen ties between the two nations and promote common interests.

Despite the controversy, the state dinner is scheduled to proceed as planned. It will undoubtedly be a night of culinary indulgence and diplomatic fanfare, but it will also serve as a reminder of the economic challenges facing the nation.