Isn’t it normal for the WH to pay if offering an invite to the WH?
This is endemic of their opinion of business.
How much does he charge the entertainers who play every Wednesday?
What does Grandmama pay?
It's normal courtesy, at least, that the one who issues the invitation, pays. (Unless it's among, e.g., family or close friends who customarily share the cost.) And especially when you invite someone to dine IN YOUR HOME!! Can you imagine having someone over for dinner and then presenting a bill!!??