White House drops 'yikes' after chef Tom Colicchio’s East Wing photo blunder

WASHINGTON, DC: The buzz around President Donald Trump’s newly announced White House ballroom hasn’t died down. After reports surfaced that part of the East Wing was demolished to make space for the $250 million addition, reactions have poured in from all sides — and now, even celebrity chef Tom Colicchio has found himself caught in the mix.

Colicchio, known for his role as a judge on Top Chef, tried to weigh in on the controversy over the East Wing demolition but ended up becoming the story himself. Over the weekend, the chef shared a photo of himself and his wife standing beneath a portrait of George Washington, writing, “My wife and I in the East Wing. I can’t believe it is gone.”.

There was just one problem — the photo wasn’t taken in the East Wing at all.

Social media users quickly spotted the error and pointed out that the image was from the Diplomatic Reception Room, located in the main White House residence, not the East Wing. Within hours, a Community Note appeared under his post, explaining the wallpaper, fireplace, and portrait details that confirmed the actual location.

As the online mockery grew, the White House’s official account stepped in with a one-word response that sent the internet into hysterics. Resharing Colicchio’s post, the White House simply wrote, “YIKES.”

White House claps back at Colicchio with viral ‘Yikes’ response

The cheeky comeback didn’t stop there. A follow-up post from the official account read, “If you can’t take the heat… YIKES.” The jab, clearly referencing Colicchio’s culinary background, instantly went viral and drew thousands of amused reactions. 

 It’s not the first time the White House has waded into online debates over the East Wing. Just last week, officials corrected a Democratic Instagram page that mistakenly used a photo of Buckingham Palace’s East Wing to criticize Trump’s renovation plans.

The latest exchange with Colicchio only reinforced the administration’s quick reflexes on social media — and its flair for humor.

Social media piles on after Tom Colicchio’s mix-up

Not just the White House,  social media also took its own sweet time to hit back at Tom Colicchio. One user quipped, “My wife and I on the East Wing. I can’t believe it’s gone." 

Another one shares, "I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that that room is not in the East Wing and not gone." 

"My wife and I at Tom's restaurant, Craft. I can't believe it is gone," commented someone else 

Another user shares, "That picture was taken in the Diplomatic Reception Room in the Executive residence. It is still there." 

"This post screams either “I don’t know what I’m talking about” or “I do, and I’m lying anyway," said someone else. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.