After Obama mocks renovations, Trump says Obama “wouldn’t understand” White House upkeep

Trump defends the work

At a Monday rally, Trump said he would try to explain the renovations to Obama, but doubted that the former president would understand. Trump argued that the White House should be clean, beautiful and free of cracks in its columns. Trump also defended the expense, describing the money spent as “peanuts.” He said the building was in better condition than it had been in 1792.

Obama lists his criticisms

Obama criticized the renovation work, pointing to a ballroom, paving over the Rose Garden and a helicopter pad on the South Lawn. He also remarked on the amount of gold used in the White House.

Obama joked that Trump’s interest in home improvements might suit a television show about renovations. He compared the appearance of the White House to a combination of Saddam Hussein’s style and a Cheesecake Factory.

The exchange continues

Trump returned to Obama’s comments several times during the rally. He said Obama had objected to the Cheesecake Factory comparison and noted that the restaurant company was successful.

Trump also said he had inherited the White House in horrible condition and criticized Obama for focusing on the time he spent on renovations. The two former and current presidents offered sharply different views of the changes.