‘Saddam Hussein opened a cheesecake factory’: Obama’s jibe at Trump’s White House

‘Jawlines and testosterone’: Obama takes a dig at Hegseth amid Iran conflict

Former US President Barack Obama took a dig at Donald Trump over his renovation plans for the White House, saying Trump has "got the White House looking like former Iraq President Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory".Obama made the remarks while campaigning for the midterm elections in Ohio. He mocked Trump’s changes to the White House, saying the president appeared more interested in renovations than other matters."I don't know if you've noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovations. He should be on HGTV. The guy’s building a ballroom that’s bigger than the White House. Paved over the Rose Garden, put a helicopter pad on the South Lawn, and there’s gold everywhere! What’s up with the gold? Everything—more gold!” Obama said.He continued his criticism, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. “He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. Just gold everywhere."After his speech, Obama took to social media platform X to urge voters to support Democratic candidates in Ohio’s gubernatorial and Senate elections."Ohio, let's do what we can to elect Amy Acton as your next Governor and Sherrod Brown as your next US Senator! They’ve dedicated their lives to fighting on behalf of all Ohioans," Obama wrote.

Obama also stressed the importance of grassroots campaigning and high voter turnout, saying collective action could help bring about positive change in the country."If we’re willing to organise and mobilise, if we’re willing to turn out in big numbers in Ohio and across this country, if we’re willing to vote for change and vote for Democrats up and down the ballot, then this election might just mark the moment this country began moving in a better direction," he stated.He ended his message by urging voters to make sure they cast their ballots.

Obama targets Pete Hegseth

Obama also criticised US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, linking the ongoing conflict with Iran to concerns over the country's military preparedness."Hundreds of Americans have been wounded. We have run down our stock of missiles, and Iran now has veto power over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, you’ve got the defense secretary who’s squarely focused on important matters like the jawlines and testosterone levels of our troops," he said.

What are US midterm elections

US midterm elections take place every four years, halfway through a president’s four-year term. They are seen as an important test of public opinion on the president and the ruling party.The elections determine control of Congress, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and roughly one-third of the Senate seats up for election. The results can influence the president’s ability to pass laws and implement policies.