Obama jokes that Trump was 'very upset' over Cheesecake Factory remark

Former President Barack Obama took the stage in Georgia to mock the Trump administration's reaction to his recent jabs at the White House decor, according to the Daily Mail ^[1]. Speaking at a campaign rally for Senator Jon Ossoff, Obama noted that President Donald Trump was not offended by the comparison to Saddam Hussein, but was "very upset" about the Cheesecake Factory reference.

The Mirror reported ^[2] that Obama joked the administration had "mobilised a whole of government response" to the comment. He claimed the White House instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to hold a press conference outside a Cheesecake Factory. Obama contrasted this with his own handling of the financial crisis, noting he never called his Treasury Secretary to order roast beef at Arby's to avoid appearing elitist. He concluded that the administration consists of "not serious people".

Obama also targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, mocking his focus on troop jawlines and live-streamed executions, the Daily Mail ^[1] noted. The former president described the White House renovations, including a ballroom larger than the original structure and extensive gold use, as something he was not exaggerating. He claimed Trump was super-gluing gold medallions to the Oval Office mantle.

President Trump responded by insisting Obama failed to maintain the executive residence properly. Trump stated that Obama did not understand the work of the "finest artisans in the world" who fixed the White House. He dismissed Obama as "not smart" and claimed the former president overlooked "dirt and filth" during his tenure. The Independent ^[3] confirmed Trump's rebuttal, where he asserted that Obama's comments showed why he was a "lousy president".

The political battle is heating up ahead of the November 3 election. Obama's visit to Atlanta aimed to boost Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. During a Saturday appearance in Ohio, Obama had suggested Trump should be on HGTV due to his renovation projects. Trump has countered that he has taken care of the White House, which he views as a symbol of America.

Recent polling data cited by the Daily Mail ^[1] showed Trump's approval rating at 32 percent, with 66 percent disapproving. Democrats led Republicans 53 to 44 percent among likely voters in the generic congressional ballot. Trump recently held campaign events in Georgia, while former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to appear in the state later this week.