White House used Chinese-made silverware at Made in America Product Showcase: report

The White House reportedly used Chinese-made silverware while serving refreshments on Monday at its annual Made in America Product Showcase, which is meant to show off American-made products.

According to Syracuse.com, Matt Roberts, president of New York–based Sherrill Manufacturing, the last flatware maker in the U.S., said the White House used Oneida Ltd. flatware, which now sells flatware made overseas, at the annual showcase.

{mosads}The news outlet reported that Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) and Sherrill Manufacturing have made repeated efforts to convince the White House to purchase American-made silverware. The effort reportedly has bipartisan support, with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also asking President Trump to buy the firm’s Liberty Tabletop utensils for use at state dinners.

Greg Owens, co-founder and CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing, told Syracuse.com that he was contacted by the Trump administration in the past about purchasing its flatware, but said he never heard back from officials.

“With all of the things going on in the world, forks and spoons in your kitchen are not exactly the top priority at the White House,” Roberts said. 

Owens said he was told later on Monday by a White House aide that the president saw the company’s Liberty Tabletop flatware displayed during a tour of the State Dining Room. 

“Apparently he pointed it out and said, ‘I want this stuff in the White House.’ So I’m expecting a phone call or email in the next couple of days,” Owens said.