WASHINGTON – In a recent episode of Usha Vance’s podcast “Storytime with the Second Lady,” former President Donald Trump took a break from his usual political rhetoric to read a children’s book and share his unique perspective on past presidents. The podcast aims to engage children through storytelling, but Trump’s appearance was anything but typical.
The book he read, titled “Presidents Play!”, published by the White House Historical Association, illustrates various presidents participating in sports and enjoying recreational activities at the White House.
Trump’s segment was filmed in the Oval Office, adorned with his signature gold accents and playful decor, including a stuffed eagle, stacks of oversized books, and a Lego globe. As he flipped through the pages, he provided humorous commentary, reflecting on his predecessors’ athleticism and his own experiences.
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When asked by Vance about his reading habits as president, Trump humorously noted he mostly reads about himself. “I usually read stories about myself,” he remarked, highlighting his penchant for media coverage.
As he discussed various presidents, Trump described Lyndon Johnson as a “tough cookie,” praised Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person,” and commented on John F. Kennedy’s looks, calling him “the second-most good-looking president.” Interestingly, he didn’t reveal who he thought was the best-looking.
Trump also touched on historical events, mentioning Richard Nixon’s infamous Watergate scandal by saying he “got himself into trouble, I guess.” In a lighthearted jab, he commented on Herbert Hoover’s made-up game “Hoover Ball,” saying, “That worked out better for him than the economy.”
About Barack Obama, Trump, using his full name, “Barack Hussein Obama,” expressed doubt over his basketball skills while stating that Obama’s favorite sport is golf. He quipped, “He won’t be in the Masters anytime soon,” referencing the prestigious golf tournament.
The podcast also brought up other presidents’ activities, like Bill Clinton jogging on the White House track. Trump remarked, “I don’t think I’ll ever do that,” but added he liked Clinton “a lot.”
In a moment of reflection about physical fitness, Trump joked about his own physique while looking at illustrations of past presidents swimming or exercising. He said, “I don’t know if I look good in a bathing suit. I haven’t had a bathing suit in a long time.” He also acknowledged William Howard Taft as “our heaviest president,” humorously warning, “I have to be careful because I don’t want to supersede his record.”
Towards the end of the podcast, when Vance asked for his advice to children about celebrating the country on July 4th, Trump offered a somewhat ambiguous yet motivational message: “We have a great country… it’s on a little bit of a ledge right now. It can go one way or another… But we’re going to make it go the other.” He concluded with a promise to make America “greater than ever before.”
This unusual blend of storytelling, humor, and politics provides a fascinating glimpse into how a former president engages with both history and the younger generation. Trump’s candidness and humor, combined with his characteristic bravado, make this podcast episode a noteworthy event in political and cultural discourse.
