U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on Second Lady Usha Vance’s podcast, Storytime with the Second Lady, where he read the children’s book Presidents Play! while offering humorous and personal commentary about former U.S. presidents and life at the White House.
The episode, recorded in the Oval Office in mid-June and released on July 3, features the White House Historical Association’s illustrated book highlighting how American presidents enjoyed sports and recreation. As he turned each page, Trump frequently departed from the script, sharing opinions and jokes about several former leaders.
He described Lyndon B. Johnson as a “tough cookie,” praised Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person,” and referred to John F. Kennedy as the “second-most good-looking president.” Trump also joked about Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal and Herbert Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression.
While discussing Barack Obama, Trump questioned his basketball skills and remarked that although Obama enjoys golf, he “won’t be in the Masters anytime soon.” Looking at an illustration of Bill Clinton jogging, Trump said running was not for him but added that he likes the former president.
The podcast also included Trump’s thoughts on horseback riding after seeing Abraham Lincoln on horseback, as well as a mention of the new ballroom being built on the White House grounds. The appearance combined children’s storytelling with presidential history, offering viewers a lighthearted and unconventional glimpse into Trump’s personality.