Trump hits back over ‘Cheesecake Factory’ remark, calls Obama a bad president

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has criticised former President Barack Obama after he compared the renovated White House to the restaurant chain Cheesecake Factory. Reacting to the remark, Trump called Obama “not smart at all” and a “bad president,” defending the renovation work carried out at the presidential residence.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One on Monday, Trump said the White House had deteriorated over the years, with damaged walls, missing decorative elements, cracks and peeling paint. He claimed that the renovation had restored the building to its best condition since it was built in 1792. Trump also praised the craftsmen involved in the work, saying it had been completed at a relatively low cost.

Responding directly to Obama's comparison, Trump said the remark reflected poorly on his presidency. The exchange comes as Obama campaigns for Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump's White House renovation plans have also faced questions from Democratic leaders and historic preservation groups over costs and transparency. During the same interaction, Trump announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in voter fraud. Obama's office had not immediately responded to Trump's remarks.