According to a new book, Trump tried to cozy up to Barack Obama during the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter. The setting was solemn. But Trump had one thing on his mind: golf.
He reportedly leaned in and made his pitch. The president tried to convince Obama to play a round at one of his golf clubs, describing his courses around the world in detail. The moment is captured in 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, a new book by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arndorf.
Trump, who labeled Obama “a disaster” and said his foreign policy was “weak and ineffective,” was suddenly all smiles. But Obama, who sat beside him in silence, did not respond to the invitation. The book does not say whether he even looked at him.
The same book reveals more awkward moments behind the scenes, including a phone call between Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris after the election. Their aides reportedly had trouble connecting the call, and Trump joked, “Phone service isn’t what it used to be.” When the line finally worked, he greeted her by saying, “You’re a tough cookie.”
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But whatever friendly tone Trump tried to project did not last.
In the months that followed, Obama made it clear what he thought of Trump’s second term.
Speaking at a rally in New York, Obama said, “It’s unimaginable that the same parties that are silent now would have tolerated behaviour like that from me, or a whole bunch of my predecessors.”
He continued, “We do not need four years of a wannabe king, a wannabe dictator running around trying to punish his enemies. That’s not what you need in your life. America is ready to turn the page.”
Trump was not pleased.
In response, he tore down a portrait of Obama at the White House, according to multiple reports. He then went on a long on-air rant attacking Obama’s presidential library. He also shared conspiracy memes online that tried to tie Obama to fictional crimes from QAnon threads.
And the feud has only grown louder.
Obama recently mocked Trump over the size of his crowds. On the Fourth of July, he took another jab, accusing Trump of turning the nation’s birthday into a celebration of himself.
So no, the golf match never happened.
And no, it probably never will.
The idea that Trump would try to bury the hatchet over a round of golf — at a funeral — is peak Trump. It is the kind of move only he would try — and actually think is normal.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
