Obama Mocks Trump’s White House Renovations at Ohio Rally

Former President Barack Obama mocked President Donald Trump’s White House renovation plans at an Ohio rally for Democratic candidates, joking that the building looked as if Saddam Hussein had opened a Cheesecake Factory and saying Trump should be on HGTV. Obama made the remarks while campaigning for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown. He cited a planned ballroom, changes to the Rose Garden, a South Lawn helicopter pad and gold décor as examples of Trump’s focus on the residence. The ballroom project is intended to provide permanent space for large events, according to a federal environmental assessment described in coverage of the rally. The renovation jokes drew laughter and applause, and Obama linked them to his criticism of Trump’s priorities. He argued that the president was not focused on lowering prices for Americans. Obama also criticized Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict and said the renovations were drawing attention while voters faced other concerns. At the rally, Obama went beyond the renovations to accuse Trump and people around him of enriching themselves. He cited an alleged demand by a U.S. ambassador for money to...