‘Saddam Hussein opened a cheesecake factory’: Obama’s jibe at Trump’s White House
Former President Barack Obama criticized Donald Trump's White House renovations, comparing the aesthetic to a 'Cheesecake Factory' opened by Saddam Hussein. Obama also used the campaign event to endorse Democratic candidates in Ohio and discuss national political strategy.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing partisan rhetoric in US politics and the use of celebrity-style political commentary to mobilize voters during election cycles.
Former US President Barack Obama took a dig at Donald Trump over his renovation plans for the White House, saying Trump has "got the White House looking like former Iraq President Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory".Obama made the remarks while campaigning for the midterm elections in Ohio. He mocked Trump’s changes to the White House, saying the president appeared more interested in renovations than other matters."I don't know if you've noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovations. He should be on HGTV. 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 said.He continued his criticism, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. “He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.
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