From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Trump Admin Mocks Obama's Cheesecake Factory Comment
Trump administration responds to Obama's White House renovation criticism with mock Cheesecake Factory menu.
In brief
Trump administration responds to Obama's White House renovation criticism with mock Cheesecake Factory menu. Trump administration mocked Obama's comparison of White House renovations to Saddam Hussein's Cheesecake Factory, sharing a mock menu highlighting their claimed achievements. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Obama Criticizes Trump's White House Renovations
Obama compared Trump's White House renovations to a Cheesecake Factory opened by Saddam Hussein during a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio.
“He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory”
Trump Defends Renovations
Trump called Obama a 'lousy president' and defended his White House renovations, claiming he fixed the building with the finest artisans.
“For you to say it's a Cheesecake Factory, that just shows why you were a lousy president”
White House Shares Mock Menu
The White House's X account published a mock Cheesecake Factory menu listing Trump's claimed accomplishments like tax relief and border security.
“Since we're talking about The Cheesecake Factory…The only thing bigger than the menu is the list of President Trump's accomplishments”
Treasury Secretary Visits Restaurant
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Obama's Chicago Presidential Center design while praising his meal at a Cheesecake Factory.
“This is the man who built the museum that looks like Darth Vader's tomb”
Administration's Renovation Projects
Trump's White House renovations include gold decorations, a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, and changes to the Rose Garden.
“The central 650-seat ballroom with a 3-story underground expansion”
Cost and Criticism of Projects
The White House Ballroom project cost up to $600 million after initial estimates of $200 million, drawing criticism for historic alterations.
“The scale of the project and the demolition have drawn scrutiny from critics”
White House Spokesperson Defends
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended Trump's renovations, calling Obama one of the most dishonest presidents in history.
“He said Trump had done more than his predecessors to improve the country's interior spaces”
Midterm Elections Context
The exchange occurs ahead of November midterms where control of Congress will be decided.
“The exchange comes as both parties campaign ahead of the November midterms”
Cheesecake Factory Comparison Debate
Critics question whether Obama's comment was a criticism of Trump's interior design or an insult to a popular restaurant.
“The response has also prompted a broader argument over whether Obama's comparison was a criticism of Trump's interior design”
Trump Administration's Response
Trump administration has turned Obama's comparison into an opportunity to promote their record using the restaurant's menu as a metaphor.
“The post turned Obama's comparison into an opportunity for the administration to promote its record”
At a glance
Trump administration mocked Obama's comparison of White House renovations to Saddam Hussein's Cheesecake Factory, sharing a mock menu highlighting their claimed achievements.
