Obama likens White House renovations to a Cheesecake Factory, prompting White House rebuttal

Former President Barack Obama used a Michigan rally on Oct. 24 to criticize President Donald Trump's recent White House renovation projects, saying they made the executive residence look "like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory." Obama referenced the expanded ballroom, the paved-over Rose Garden and the addition of a helicopter pad, adding that the decor featured "gold everywhere" and suggesting the president was more interested in home renovation than lowering costs for Americans. > "I don't know if you've noticed, but he is very focused on home renovation. He should be on HGTV," Obama said. > "Guy is building a ballroom that is bigger than the White House, paved over the Rose Garden – paved it over – put a helicopter pad on the side lawn. What's up with the gold? I mean, he's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. It's just gold everywhere. He is clearly not focused on lowering prices for you."

The White House responded through spokesperson Davis Ingle, stating that President Trump had done more to beautify the nation’s interior than any previous president and praising the "bold vision" that was restoring landmarks and maintaining the capital’s condition for future generations. The statement also described Obama as one of the most "destructive Presidents in history."

Conservative commentators and Republican lawmakers echoed the administration’s defense, noting that The Cheesecake Factory offers affordable dining for working-class Americans. Social media users debated the comment, with some defending the restaurant’s appeal and others agreeing with Obama’s characterization of the White House décor as overly lavish.

The Cheesecake Factory did not immediately comment on the remarks.