Trump responded to Obama’s remarks on Monday, October 26, while speaking to reporters about the criticism directed at his renovation projects.

“For you to say it’s a Cheesecake Factory, that just shows why you were a lousy president,” Trump said.

The exchange followed comments Obama made during campaign appearances supporting Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. At a rally in Ohio on Saturday, the former president criticised Trump’s focus on changes to the White House, including plans for a ballroom, modifications to the Rose Garden and the addition of a helipad.

Obama also questioned Trump’s preference for extensive gold decorations around the presidential residence, arguing that the president appeared more interested in renovations than in addressing the concerns of ordinary Americans.

“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama said during the rally.

Trump rejected the criticism and defended the work being carried out at the White House, arguing that the historic building required maintenance and improvements.

He pointed to issues such as damaged masonry, cracked plaster, broken tiles and missing decorative features, saying the renovations were intended to improve the condition of the property.

The president also maintained that the White House, as a symbol of the United States, should be properly maintained. His response turned the dispute into another public exchange between the two politicians, who have frequently criticised each other since Trump entered national politics.

Obama’s remarks came as he campaigned for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan, where he accused Trump and Republican allies of contributing to what he described as political chaos, cruelty and corruption.

The former president urged voters to consider the direction of the country as they prepared to elect members of Congress and other officials in the midterm elections.

Trump, meanwhile, has continued campaigning for Republican candidates as both parties seek support ahead of the November 3 vote, which will determine control of Congress.

The dispute also reflects the longstanding political rivalry between the two men. Trump previously promoted false claims questioning Obama’s birthplace, allegations that Obama and official records established were unfounded.

The latest disagreement has drawn attention to the White House renovation projects and the competing arguments over presidential priorities. While Trump has defended the work as necessary maintenance and improvement, Obama has used the changes to question whether the president is giving sufficient attention to economic pressures and other issues affecting Americans.

With the midterm elections approaching, the exchange adds another personal dispute to an already heated political campaign, as both sides seek to influence voters’ views of the current administration.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia