Obama mocks Trump’s White House vanity projects at Ohio rally
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At a Cleveland rally for Democratic candidates, Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump’s flashy White House renovations as a symbol of misplaced priorities, while also condemning his Iran policy and urging voters to push back in the midterms.
Former President Barack Obama used a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday to sharply ridicule President Donald Trump’s recent White House renovation efforts. Speaking in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, Obama said the president seemed far more obsessed with home improvements than with governing, adding, "> I mean, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovations. He should be on HGTV."
He pointed to the Rose Garden’s new limestone patio, an upgraded granite helipad and a permanent ballroom, describing the changes as, "> He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."
The renovations, according to White House officials, include functional upgrades: the Rose Garden’s central lawn was replaced with limestone paving for outdoor events while retaining perimeter roses; a granite helipad bearing the presidential seal was inaugurated in September; and a new ballroom is intended to provide a secure, permanent venue for large official functions, addressing a long-standing reliance on temporary tents.
Obama also tied the renovations to broader criticism of the Trump administration, accusing the president of launching an unnecessary war in Iran that drove up energy costs and defending the nuclear agreement negotiated during his own tenure. He urged Ohio voters to hold Republicans accountable in the upcoming midterm elections.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.