JD Vance made a major faux pas in Philadelphia by asking about Swiss cheese at one of the city’s most famous restaurants. The Republican Vice Presidential candidate visited the City of Brotherly Love at a campaign stop and followed the modern tradition of getting a snack from Pat’s King of Steaks, which serves a popular steak sandwich. The outlet famously serves only American cheese, provolone, and cheez whiz, but Vance raised eyebrows when he asked why Swiss cheese is not on the menu.
Speaking to a Pat’s employee, Vance questioned why the idea was considered offensive. “Why do you guys hate Swiss cheese so much?” he asked. The employee responded saying they don’t hate it, they just don’t eat it. Pat’s manager, Sammy Garcia, later told reporters that she found the exchange “funny” and confirmed that the Ohio Senator had left a generous tip.
Founded in the 1930s, Pat’s considers itself the inventor of cheesesteak sandwiches. Presidential candidates have visited the outlet for some years, and John Kerry’s order in 2003 kickstarted the Swiss cheese controversy. The Democrat ordered his cheesesteak with Swiss cheese, prompting reporters to frown at the gaffe. “Swiss cheese, as any local knows, is not an option,” a Philadelphia Inquirer journalist wrote.
Donald Trump opted for a Pat’s rival in 2016, visiting Geno’s restaurant across the street. Mr. Trump got his Philly cheesesteak this year at a third outlet, Tony and Nick’s.
Mr. Vance was in Philadelphia as the Republican team refocused on the battleground states. Former President Trump also delivered a speech in the Keystone State, where he was due to speak on the economy but attracted criticisms for veering from the script and attacking Kamala Harris as a “communist.”
Senator Vance was less controversial and told his audience that a future Trump administration will dramatically reduce energy costs and stop “reckless spending.” The Harris campaign responded to Vance’s comments and issued a statement saying, “Pennsylvanians kicked Trump out of office in 2020 because he made their lives worse.” The statement added that the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is the last thing the people of Philadelphia want to govern their lives.
