The scent of burgers, fries and victory wafted through the stately White House as President Donald Trump saluted college football's Clemson Tigers for winning the national championship.

Mr Trump, a fast food lover, said he even paid for their meal himself because of the partial government shutdown. He did not disclose the tab.

"We ordered American fast food, paid for by me. Lots of hamburgers, lots of pizza," Mr Trump said after returning to the White House from a trip to New Orleans.

"We have some very large people that like eating, so I think we're going to have a little fun."

The Clemson players seemed to enjoy the fast-food feast. ( AP: Susan Walsh )

Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said much of the staff in the White House residence had been furloughed because of the shutdown.

"So the President is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone's favourite fast foods," she said.

An impressive — and highly unusual — White House smorgasbord greeted the players. Silver trays held stacks of wrapped burgers from Wendy's. Also on offer were boxed burgers from McDonald's, including Big Macs.

White House cups bearing the presidential seal held the fries.

The fries came in a cup containing the Presidential seal. ( AP: Susan Walsh )

Pizzas, some topped with olives and tomatoes, were also on the menu. Silver bowls held the condiments, and stacks of white plates sat nearby.

Several young men were spotted eating multiple burgers at the stand-up tables dotting the East Room.

The Clemson team's visit is its second since Mr Trump took office. The Tigers last visited in June 2017 after their championship run the previous season.

Mr Trump said he did not want to wait for the shutdown to end to host the dinner. ( Reuters: Joshua Roberts )

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney nominated this season's undefeated Tigers as the best college team ever. Mr Trump called them a "great team, an unbelievable team".

Mr Trump has routinely sparred with professional athletes during his two years in office. College football has managed to avoid such political controversies, with last year's champion Alabama also visiting the White House.

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AP