RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
Former United States President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump’s administration for its response to a joke about White House renovations, accusing officials of paying more attention to his remarks than to economic challenges facing Americans.
Obama made the comments on Wednesday during a Democratic campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The controversy began at a campaign event in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, when Obama mocked Trump’s extensive changes to the White House, particularly the use of gold decorations and construction projects.
He joked that the presidential residence looked like Saddam Hussein had opened a Cheesecake Factory, drawing laughter from supporters.
The former president also criticised the construction of a new ballroom, changes to the Rose Garden and other renovations, questioning whether the projects reflected the administration’s priorities.
Trump subsequently defended the work, arguing that the White House required repairs and improvements to maintain its appearance as a symbol of the United States.
He claimed the property had deteriorated under previous administrations and said the renovations were necessary to restore its condition.
Trump also praised the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain and criticised Obama’s record as president.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined the controversy, publicly responding to Obama’s remarks about the restaurant.
Speaking in Atlanta on Wednesday, Obama expressed surprise at the attention generated by his joke.
He argued that the administration had devoted more energy to challenging his comments about White House decorations than to addressing his criticism of inflation, tariffs and alleged corruption.
Obama said officials had mobilised what he described as a government-wide response to a joke rather than concentrating on rising living costs.
He also questioned why the administration had not responded with similar intensity to his accusations concerning economic policy and government accountability.
His allegations of corruption were political accusations and were not substantiated by evidence presented during the exchange.
The dispute comes as both Democratic and Republican leaders intensify campaigning ahead of the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Obama has been campaigning for Democratic candidates in several states, while Trump has been defending Republican policies and promoting his party’s candidates.
The exchange has drawn renewed attention to the White House renovation projects and competing claims about the administration’s priorities.
