Former President Barack Obama renewed his attacks on Donald Trump at a rally in Morrow, Georgia, on Tuesday night, mocking the administration's response to his earlier 'Cheesecake Factory' joke and branding its members "not serious people."
Obama Doubles Down on Cheesecake Factory Jibe
Speaking in support of Democrat Senator John Ossoff and governor candidate Keisha Lance-Bottoms ahead of next week's midterm election, Obama referenced his previous comment that Trump's White House makeover made it look "like Saddam Hussein opened up a Cheesecake Factory."
The joke, made at a rally in Michigan over the weekend, drew criticism from MAGA figures who accused Obama of being elitist. Obama said Trump was not upset about the Saddam Hussein comparison but was "very upset about The Cheesecake Factory."
Administration's 'Whole of Government' Response
Obama took particular aim at Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who held a press conference outside a Cheesecake Factory in response to the joke. "They mobilised a whole of government response to that joke. Not to inflation, but to that joke," Obama said.
He contrasted this with his own handling of the financial crisis, saying he never asked his Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner to go to Arby's to avoid appearing elitist.
Ossoff Warns of Investigations
Senator Ossoff also spoke at the event, accusing Trump of leading "the most corrupt administration of all time" and hinting that investigations could follow if Democrats win control of Congress. "If you're involved in any of this, next year you'll be raising your hand to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," he said, prompting the crowd to chant "Lock him up."
The event also featured a surprise appearance by ten-time Grammy Award winner Janelle Monae.
