Trump hits back again at Obama's 'Cheesecake Factory' jab, claiming his predecessor left the White House 'filthy, dirty and broken'

Barack Obama's joke that Trump had the White House "looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory" has sparked a days-long counter-attack from the president, who has now labelled his predecessor a "lousy president" who "doesn't see dirt, filth or broken ornaments." The administration has mounted a broader pushback against the dig as midterm elections draw closer. Even allies of the White House have privately acknowledged, according to reports, that Trump is finding relief in the renovation works while the conflict in Iran continues and gas prices stay elevated.

Obama delivered the quip at an Ohio rally on Saturday, adding that Trump "should be on HGTV" given his preoccupation with a new ballroom, helipad and gold fixtures.

Among Trump's renovation projects are the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a ballroom, the replacement of the Rose Garden with paved surface, and the addition of gold wall fixtures throughout the Oval Office.

Trump was forced to cut his Mississippi rally short at under 90 minutes — well below his usual two hours — after his voice began to give out during his midterm campaign blitz.