Former President Barack Obama took aim at President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Georgia for Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, mocking the White House's response to an earlier remark Obama made.
Obama recounted that Trump was not bothered by a comparison of White House renovations to Saddam Hussein opening a Cheesecake Factory, but was "very upset" about the latter part of the joke. Obama claimed the administration "mobilized" the government over the remark, suggesting the Secretary of the Treasury was instructed to hold a press conference in front of a Cheesecake Factory.
During his remarks, Obama also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that Hegseth was focused on "jawline and testosterone levels of our troops, and live streaming executions." Obama also described Trump's extensive White House remodeling projects, including adding a ballroom, paving over the rose garden, and installing a helicopter pad, noting "there is gold everywhere."
Obama's appearance in Morrow, Georgia, aimed to rally support for Senator Jon Ossoff, who is seeking reelection, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. This visit is part of a series of campaign events in Georgia involving prominent political figures from both parties.
Earlier, in Ohio, Obama had also commented on Trump's renovation projects, suggesting he "should be on HGTV." Trump responded to Obama's "Cheesecake Factory" comment by calling Obama a "lousy president" and a "stupid person" who did not properly maintain the executive residence. Trump asserted that he had "fixed" the White House with "the finest artisans in the world."
Obama's criticisms come as recent polls show Trump's approval rating at 32 percent, with 66 percent of voters disapproving. Democrats held a lead in the generic congressional ballot, and a majority of respondents cited living costs as a significant concern.