President Donald Trump mixed humor, history, and patriotism during a special Independence Day appearance on Second Lady Usha Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady” podcast, using a children’s book about America’s presidents as an opportunity to share his candid thoughts on several former commanders in chief.
The lighthearted episode featured Trump reading Presidents Play, a book published by the White House Historical Society that explores how U.S. presidents spent their free time while serving in office. But instead of simply reading each page, Trump frequently paused to offer his own commentary, joking about former presidents’ hobbies, personalities, and accomplishments while drawing comparisons to his own time in the White House.
The conversation quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the podcast, blending presidential history with Trump’s trademark sense of humor.
Trump Shares Candid Thoughts On Former Presidents
As the book introduced various presidents and their favorite activities, Trump added his own observations.
While reading about President John F. Kennedy, Trump joked about Kennedy’s reputation for his appearance.
“He was handsome. He was the second-most good-looking president, they say.”
When the discussion turned to former President Barack Obama, Trump questioned his athletic abilities while poking fun at his golf game.
“Obama is a basketball player. I don’t know if he’s a good basketball player, I tend to doubt it. Actually, his favorite sport is golf… But he won’t be in the Masters anytime soon.”
The president also laughed about former President William Howard Taft, who remains the heaviest president in American history.
Trump joked that former President William Howard Taft still holds the distinction of being America’s heaviest president, adding that he’d rather not surpass that milestone. He also encouraged viewers to stay healthy and keep themselves in good shape.
Speaking about President Gerald Ford’s outdoor swimming pool at the White House, Trump admitted he has never taken advantage of it.
“I don’t get to use it. I don’t know if I look good in a bathing suit. I haven’t had a bathing suit in a long time.”
The book also mentioned President Dwight D. Eisenhower installing a putting green on the White House grounds. Trump explained why he has avoided using it.
“I’ve never used it, because I don’t want to be seen putting at the White House. I wanted to be seen working at the White House.”
Perhaps one of the more surprising moments came when Trump discussed former President Bill Clinton. Although he joked that jogging is not one of his favorite activities, he spoke positively about the former Democratic president.
“I don’t think I’ll ever do that. I don’t see myself doing that. I don’t know, but he actually was a nice guy. I like Bill Clinton a lot. I still do.”
When Abraham Lincoln’s horseback riding was mentioned, Trump said he liked the idea but acknowledged the risks involved.
“I’d like to ride horses too. In fact, it gives me an idea, but when you fall off a horse, I’ve seen too many bad things happen.”
Trump Connects Presidential History To His Own White House
Throughout the reading, President Donald Trump frequently linked stories about previous presidents to his own administration and ongoing projects.
After learning that President Harry Truman enjoyed walking around Washington, D.C., Trump pointed to his administration’s public safety efforts, saying the nation’s capital has become much safer because of stronger federal law enforcement.
The discussion later shifted to President John Quincy Adams, who was known for swimming in Tiber Creek before it disappeared as Washington expanded during the nineteenth century. Trump noted that the location is connected to plans for his proposed White House ballroom, which he said will be built on the former creek bed.
The comments reflected Trump’s continuing focus on leaving a lasting mark on both the White House and the nation’s capital during his second term.
Building A Lasting Presidential Legacy
President Donald Trump has frequently spoken about the legacy he hopes to leave after returning to the White House.
In recent months, he has highlighted several projects, including renovations to the historic Rose Garden, improvements around the Oval Office, new exterior signage, and construction plans for a large White House ballroom designed to host major state events.
Trump has also proposed building a monumental triumphal arch near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, describing it as another way to honor American history and military service.
Supporters view these efforts as part of a broader commitment to preserving national traditions while modernizing some of the White House’s facilities for future generations.
Trump Continues Referencing America’s Past
The children’s book appearance is just the latest example of President Donald Trump drawing lessons from previous administrations.
During a recent interview, Trump said he wanted to avoid the economic failures associated with President Herbert Hoover, explaining that he had no desire to oversee a major financial collapse.
Earlier in the week, Trump also spoke at the opening of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential library in North Dakota, where he praised Roosevelt’s leadership and again criticized the decision to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama decades after its construction.
By regularly referencing former presidents, Trump has continued to frame many of today’s policy debates within the broader story of American history.
Usha Vance Promotes Reading And American History
Second Lady Usha Vance launched the “Storytime with the Second Lady” podcast to encourage children to develop strong reading habits while learning more about America’s history and traditions.
Each episode features a guest reading a children’s book and discussing its lessons with young listeners.
When asked about his own reading habits, Trump offered another humorous response.
“I end up reading mostly newspapers. I usually read stories about myself.”
The remark drew laughs and reflected the informal tone of the conversation.
Trump’s Fourth Of July Message To America
President Donald Trump concluded the episode with a patriotic message aimed at children and families celebrating Independence Day.
Trump said America remains a great nation but suggested the country is currently at a critical turning point.
“It can go one way or another, you understand that. But we’re going to make it go the other way.”
The appearance combined humor, presidential history, and optimism about America’s future while highlighting the importance of reading and civic education. As the nation celebrates the Fourth of July and the ongoing America 250 festivities, Trump’s participation offered supporters another opportunity to hear the president reflect on America’s past while sharing his vision for the country’s future.