‘Saddam Hussein Opened a Cheesecake Factory’: Obama Mocks Trump’s White House Makeover

Former US President Barack Obama turned Donald Trump’s White House renovations into a campaign punchline in Ohio, comparing the presidential residence’s appearance to a combination of Saddam Hussein’s extravagance and a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.

“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. Just gold everywhere,” Obama told the crowd, drawing laughter and applause.

The jibe formed part of a broader attack on Trump’s priorities as Obama campaigned for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections.

‘HE SHOULD BE ON HGTV’

Obama accused Trump of being preoccupied with remodelling the presidential residence.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovations. He should be on HGTV,” he said, referring to the home improvement television network.

“The guy’s building a ballroom that’s bigger than the White House. Paved over the Rose Garden, put a helicopter pad on the South Lawn, and there’s gold everywhere! What’s up with the gold? Everything—more gold!”

Obama used the remarks to ridicule what he portrayed as Trump’s preference for lavish additions to the executive mansion.

HEGSETH ALSO IN THE FIRING LINE

The former president also targeted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, contrasting his alleged priorities with the military consequences of the confrontation with Iran.

“Hundreds of Americans have been wounded. We have run down our stock of missiles, and Iran now has veto power over the Strait of Hormuz,” Obama said.

“Meanwhile, you’ve got the defense secretary who’s squarely focused on important matters like the jawlines and testosterone levels of our troops.”

The remarks combined criticism of the administration’s handling of the conflict with mockery of Hegseth’s emphasis on military appearance and physical standards.

A CALL TO TURN OUT IN OHIO

Following the address, Obama urged voters on X to support Democrat Amy Acton for governor and Sherrod Brown for the US Senate.

“They’ve dedicated their lives to fighting on behalf of all Ohioans,” he wrote.

Obama said organising and turnout in Ohio and elsewhere could change the country’s direction, calling on voters to support Democrats throughout the ballot.

“If we’re willing to organise and mobilise, if we’re willing to turn out in big numbers in Ohio and across this country, if we’re willing to vote for change and vote for Democrats up and down the ballot, then this election might just mark the moment this country began moving in a better direction,” he said.

The midterms will put all 435 House seats and approximately one-third of the Senate before voters, determining control of Congress for the remaining two years of Trump’s term.

With inputs from ANI