Masters of the Peripheral

Bloomberg White House correspondent Margaret Talev recently wrote an article on White House wines. Dinner wines served at state events historically have been opportunities to show off American wines. Such events actually influence buying, especially in Asia. But the current administration has changed this. They usually do not note the wines served unless they are inexpensive. The usual, expensive wines at such dinners are served without comment and are protected like state secrets.
Talev speculates that this is an effort to avoid the appearance of luxury by the administration. How subtle and precious.