US President Donald Trump has lashed out at his predecessor, Barack Obama after the former president mocked the renovations at the White House, comparing its appearance to a Cheesecake Factory restaurant owned by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Trump responded on Monday when reporters asked him about Obama’s remarks which were made during campaign appearances over the weekend.
“For you to say it’s a Cheesecake Factory, that just shows why you were a lousy president,” Trump said in a three-minute tirade.
He further accused Obama of overlooking the poor condition of buildings, saying the former president would ignore damaged masonry and years of accumulated dirt.
“Guys like Obama, they would pass the front door, they would see the broken masonry. He doesn’t notice dirt and filth where the walls haven’t been cleaned for years,” Trump told reporters as he left for another campaign rally ahead of the US midterm elections.
The Cheesecake Factory is a popular American restaurant chain known for its extensive menu of rich dishes and distinctive interior designs.
Obama had earlier criticised Trump’s leadership, accusing the Republican president of presiding over “chaos and cruelty” as he campaigned for Democrats in Ohio and Michigan ahead of next week’s midterm elections.
However, his remarks about Trump’s White House renovations appeared to draw particular attention. The projects include plans for a large ballroom and the addition of gold-leaf decorations throughout the Oval Office.
“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama said on Saturday, referring to the former Iraqi president who was executed in 2006 following the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Trump and Obama have maintained a longstanding political rivalry. Trump began his political rise by promoting the false and racist “birther” conspiracy theory, which questioned whether Obama was born in the United States.
Trump’s latest outburst comes amid mounting political pressure ahead of the midterm elections, with Republicans facing the possibility of losing control of Congress.
On Sunday night, Trump published what was described as his longest post on his Truth Social platform, a roughly 1,300-word message targeting American comedian Bill Maher rather than focusing on Iran or the economy.
The president also criticised several journalists last week as they questioned him about the upcoming elections and his dealings with Russia.
