Obama ‘Cheesecake Factory’ prompts vicious Trump response: ‘Lousy president’
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Tuesday has launched a stinging personal attack on former president Barack Obama, called him a “lousy president” and questioned his intelligence after Obama ridiculed the White House’s lavish makeover with a comparison to a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.
The dispute came ahead of midterm elections on Nov 3, with Democrats questioned presidential priorities amid concerns over living costs.
Trump defended the renovations claimed the presidential residence had suffered years of neglect and that his administration had restored damaged architectural features.
The exchange followed Obama’s remarks at a Democratic campaign rally in Ohio, where he mocked Trump’s taste for gold decor and questioned his priorities ahead of the November 3 midterm polls.
The White House’s appearance has drawn attention to a broader disagreement over presidential priorities.
Obama used the renovations to criticize Trump’s focus on the executive mansion at a time when Democrats are campaigning on the cost of living and other economic concerns. Trump, meanwhile, presented the work as necessary upkeep of one of America’s most recognizable historic buildings.
The dispute has also brought renewed attention to the scale, cost and scrutiny of changes to the White House, including the ballroom project, the Rose Garden redesign and additions to the grounds.
Trump insisted the White House had been in poor condition before the repairs reacted on Obama remarks.
“No. You know, I’ve taken care of the White House. I fixed it with the finest artisans in the world. We have re skinned it. It was in horrible shape,” he said.
Trump described damaged plaster, deteriorating paintwork and missing decorative elements, claiming that the restoration had transformed the building.
He also accused Obama of overlooking problems with the presidential residence during his own administration.
“Guys like Obama, they would pass the front door. They’d see the broken masonry,” Trump said.
The criticism quickly became personal.
“We have to explain that to Obama because he doesn’t understand it, because he’s not a smart guy. Let me tell you, in my opinion, he’s not smart at all,” Trump said.
Trump maintained that skilled workers, including personnel from the Department of the Interior, had carried out the restoration at relatively little expense.
He ended his response with another attack on Obama: “And for you to say it’s a Cheesecake Factory, that just shows why you were a lousy president.”
The confrontation began at a Democratic campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, where Obama criticized Trump’s attention to renovation projects.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but he seems focused on home renovations.
He should be on HGTV,” Obama told supporters, referred to the American home-improvement television network.
Obama pointed to the ballroom project, alterations to the Rose Garden, a new helicopter landing area and the gold accents associated with Trump’s decorating choices.
He delivered his sharpest joke with a comparison to former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama said.
The remark drew laughter and applause from the audience.
Obama’s criticism went beyond interior decoration.
He argued that Trump’s attention should instead be directed towards lowering prices and addressing the economic concerns of ordinary Americans.
Obama was campaigning for Democratic candidates, including Ohio gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, ahead of the midterm elections.
