Barack Obama mocks Donald Trump’s gold accents and White House renovations: ‘…like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory’
Obama goes full throttle in Cleveland.
Former President Barack Obama hit the campaign trail in Cleveland on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and he did not hold back when discussing the state of the White House under President Donald Trump. Appearing at a rally at the Public Auditorium, Obama leaned into a biting critique of the current administration, describing the president as an agent of chaos and cruelty. The event was designed to provide a boost to Democratic candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown.
According to NBC News, during his address, Obama took aim at the aesthetic choices made inside the White House. He specifically poked fun at the ongoing renovations and the addition of gold accents throughout the residence. He questioned whether the president is truly concerned with the issues facing the country, suggesting that he seems more interested in home improvements. Obama joked that the president should be on HGTV instead.
He then delivered one of the most memorable lines of the afternoon, stating, “He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” The crowd at the nearly full auditorium, which seats over 10,000, responded with loud amusement. This moment stood out as a highlight in a speech that touched on several heavy topics, including the current political climate in Ohio.
Obama focused his sharp with on Hegseth too
The former president mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his obsession with the physical appearance of military personnel. According to The Hill, he noted, “You’ve got the defense secretary … he’s very focused on important matters like the jawlines and testosterone levels of our troops.”
Obama suggested that such priorities serve as a distraction from the ongoing conflict in Iran. He even questioned the vanity of the defense secretary, asking, “How much time do you think this defense secretary spends looking at himself in the mirror in the morning?”
This commentary on the Pentagon leadership comes as some Senate Democrats are reportedly considering a push to remove Hegseth following the November 3 election. There is talk that this could be a point of negotiation during the upcoming lame-duck session, and some Republican members may even support a change in leadership.
The campaign rally also addressed the heated race for governor
Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has faced significant backlash for an attack ad featuring the estranged mother of his opponent, Amy Acton. The ad includes the mother, Donna Arthur, labeling Acton a liar.
The move has drawn bipartisan condemnation for its focus on a family history involving allegations of sexual abuse. Acton has stated that she has not spoken to Arthur in nearly 50 years. She has previously shared her experience of being sexually abused by Arthur’s then-husband as a child, which led to her removal from the home in 1978.
Obama was particularly harsh regarding this campaign tactic. “We all know that guy – who is, like, thirsty,” Obama said of Ramaswamy. “Just wants to get attention no matter what, willing to do anything. And in recent days we’ve seen there is no line he won’t cross.”
He expressed disbelief at the current standards of political behavior, noting, “I don’t know what’s happened where the standards of behavior have gotten so low that somebody can run an ad like that.” For her part, Acton thanked her supporters for their love and noted that her opponent is using her childhood to prop up a failing campaign.
The rally also featured Sherrod Brown, a former senator attempting a comeback
Obama took a lighter tone when discussing Brown, describing him as someone who is remarkably frugal. He said Brown was wearing the same suit he wore when they first met two decades ago. Despite the humor, the tone turned serious when Brown addressed the crowd. He argued that corruption is deeply rooted in Washington and claimed that politicians often play the stock market while in office or transition into lobbying roles after they leave.
Obama continued to focus on the president throughout his 35-minute speech. He argued that voters should evaluate the current administration based on broken promises regarding inflation and the economy. He specifically blamed the current administration for rising costs, citing the implementation of tariffs and the decision to start an unnecessary war as primary drivers of economic pain.
Obama is currently on a tour to support Democratic candidates in critical battleground states. He has already raised over $15 million for midterm races through various events and digital outreach. His office confirmed that he has recorded more than two dozen television and radio spots to support the party.
As the midterm elections approach, Obama is framing these contests as a necessary course correction after two years of what he describes as chaos, cruelty, and incompetence. He told the Ohio crowd that they have a chance to say that enough is enough.
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