President Trump is known for his controversial and often outrageous remarks. He’s claimed he could solve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a matter of days and suggested that Russia should find Hillary Clinton’s “missing” emails. He’s even made comments to police urging them not to be “too nice” when apprehending suspects. At one point, he jokingly stated that President Obama was the founder of ISIS, later claiming he was just kidding.
I came across an observation by a humorist that seems fitting—Trump’s style certainly points to a kind of humor that reflects underlying violence and anger that people might not fully understand.
Recently, while addressing leaders in Beijing, Trump surprised many by asking the Chinese leader Xi about his relationship with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. His post had a mix of genuine observation and irony that, perhaps, mirrors the humor of some past presidents.
Take John F. Kennedy, who once remarked on discovering the truth behind issues faced when he took office: it was worse than what he’d been told.
Yet, to be fair, I think Trump’s humor might be a rare occurrence. His usual anxiety-driven rhetoric doesn’t typically lend itself to the more refined humor one might expect from a president.
Confident leaders often utilize humor to deflect criticism. Ronald Reagan, for instance, faced backlash over economic policies that increased the deficit. In response, he quipped, “I’m not worried about the deficit. It’s big enough to take care of itself.” It was refreshing.
Similarly, Kennedy, after appointing a lawyer with limited courtroom experience, acknowledged the criticism he faced—though he never really addressed the core issue.
Some of the best presidential humor involves a degree of self-deprecation. When Lincoln was accused of being inconsistent in his policies, he famously replied, “If I had two faces, would I be showing this one?”
During the White House correspondent’s dinner, George W. Bush added his own twist to self-deprecating humor, noting he would make a self-deprecating joke during his speech.
However, Trump did choose to skip the annual correspondent’s dinner during his presidency.
Well-timed humor can sometimes be a lifesaver for a presidential campaign. In the 1984 debates, Reagan’s initial missteps related to his age became a great punchline when he said, “I don’t intend to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” This moment signaled to many that he was indeed in control.
Conversely, humor does not guarantee success. Following a lackluster performance in the 2024 presidential debates, President Joe Biden made a poor joke about his age and ultimately withdrew from the race.
Presidential humor tends to do best when it acknowledges vulnerability while still maintaining authority. Yet, Trump’s persona often doesn’t align well with this approach, despite any potential benefits. While he may throw out quips here and there, don’t expect him to adopt the lighthearted style often captured by Reagan or Kennedy anytime soon.
