A popular D.C. pizza restaurant, Menomale Pizza, recently found itself in hot water after a social media post congratulating President-elect Donald Trump. Co-owner Mariya Rusciano had shared what she thought was a lighthearted message, but the backlash quickly proved otherwise.
The day after Trump’s unexpected win over Vice President Kamala Harris, Rusciano posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, “The people have spoken. @realDonaldTrump won the popular vote and the electoral college. Congratulations! Can we gift @WhiteHouse a nice Italian wood burning pizza oven?”
The people have spoken. @realDonaldTrump won the popular vote and the electoral college. 🇺🇸Congratulations! 🥂
Can we gift @WhiteHouse a nice Italian wood burning pizza oven? 🍕🇮🇹😎 #ElectionDay #electionday2024 #47thPresident— Menomàle Pizza (@menomale_dc) November 6, 2024
She saw this as a fun marketing move, hoping to make waves by suggesting a pizza oven for the White House, but her post set off a storm of anger from locals who saw it as insensitive or an endorsement of Trump.
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One commenter wrote bluntly, “Do the owners realize that Team Trump has declared war on Washington DC and the federal workforce?” This comment reflected a sentiment shared by many in D.C., a largely Democratic city that has consistently opposed Trump’s policies.
As the outrage grew, Rusciano and her husband Ettore tried to explain their intentions. They claimed they had a similar message ready for Harris if she had won, saying, “We’re trying to put a wood burning pizza oven in The White House. This post is a statement of fact and a shot at an awesome opportunity, because America is the land of opportunity. The same post would’ve gone out if @VP Harris won last night.”
No, we’re trying to put a wood burning pizza oven in The White House. This post is a statement of fact and a shot at an awesome opportunity, because America is the land of opportunity. The same post would’ve gone out if @VP Harris won last night.
— Menomàle Pizza (@menomale_dc) November 6, 2024
Unfortunately for Menomale Pizza, many weren’t convinced. Some online users commented with frustration, accusing the restaurant of being “tone-deaf” in a city where Trump’s election was far from popular. Others pledged to stop visiting the restaurant altogether, vowing to take their business elsewhere.
The backlash prompted the owners to emphasize that they meant no political endorsement. In a follow-up message, Rusciano tried to clarify: “No matter who wins, America is still the land of opportunity, and what a great opportunity it would be to install an Italian pizza oven at the White House! Our pizza is apolitical; we are an example of what can be achieved in America through hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit.” However, the damage seemed done, and many online responses continued to criticize the post, accusing the restaurant of insensitivity.
Thanks for exposing who you are! Will never be buying anything from this business.
— jasmine (@jazajones23) November 7, 2024
You were my favorite pizza in the city and I’m sorry to see this, Trump will not be kind to the District.
— Dawn Huckelbridge (@dhuckelbridge) November 7, 2024
What a unique way to announce you’re racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, ableist, nationalist…in a city that’s 92% democrat. I wonder what will go into your space next?
— Ashley K (@districtofash) November 7, 2024
Rusciano acknowledged the backlash, saying, “I respect that. We all vote with our wallets every day, but there was no reason to get personal, telling us to go eff ourselves, wishing for us to shut down.” While the owners said they’re Democrats, the comment section painted a different picture, with responses ranging from “I’ll never go to Menomale again” to “Stick to pizza, not politics.”
The impact on business has been mixed. One employee noted a slight slowdown, though the owners said it hadn’t been too damaging. However, many in the area recall the fate of Taylor Gourmet, a D.C. restaurant that shut down its locations in 2017 after the owner posed with then-President Trump. Rusciano might have hoped to sidestep politics, but her post showed how deeply divided the country still is.
In a city that voted overwhelmingly against Trump, even a lighthearted post can lead to unintended consequences, especially when residents feel like their concerns are dismissed. Menomale Pizza’s experience serves as a reminder: in today’s climate, even pizza isn’t safe from political controversy.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
