President Donald Trump participated in a unique podcast with second lady Usha Vance, where guests read children’s books. Trump’s episode, posted online, provided a mix of humor and personal commentary. He read from “Presidents Play!” by the White House Historical Association, showcasing presidents engaged in sports.
The pretaped event took place in the Oval Office, richly decorated with golden accents, a bald eagle stuffed animal, and large books. Vance questioned Trump about his reading habits, to which he responded, “I usually read stories about myself,” highlighting the limited leisure reading during his presidency.
During his time turning the pages, Trump shared thoughts on past presidents, blending wit and nostalgia. He described Lyndon Johnson as a “tough cookie,” and Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person.” He jokingly referred to John F. Kennedy as the “second-most good-looking president,” leaving listeners curious about his top pick.
Discussing Richard Nixon, Trump remarked, “got himself into trouble, I guess,” alluding to the Watergate scandal. Commenting on Herbert Hoover, he noted Hoover’s game, “Hoover Ball,” saying it “worked out better for him than the economy.” On Barack Obama, illustrated playing basketball, Trump expressed skepticism about his skills, mentioning golf as Obama’s preferred sport. He cheekily added, “He won’t be in the Masters anytime soon.” Seeing Bill Clinton running on the White House track, Trump commented, “I don’t think I’ll ever do that,” but expressed a liking for Clinton.
Trump reflected briefly on his own activities. Seeing Abraham Lincoln on horseback, he mused about riding horses but worried about falling, considering “a nice old horse that’s extremely slow.” Regarding John Quincy Adams swimming in Tiber Creek, Trump mentioned a planned ballroom, saying, “We’re building a beautiful ballroom on top of it.” Viewing Gerald Ford in a pool, he pondered his appearance in a swimsuit, while also comparing himself to William Howard Taft, America’s heaviest president. Trump advised viewers to “keep yourself in good shape,” hinting he monitored his own fitness.
When Vance asked about celebrating July 4th, Trump gave an optimistic yet cryptic message, noting America’s current challenges but promising to “make America greater than ever before.”