Trump and Obama at Carter’s Funeral

A new book reveals that President Trump had a surprising interaction with former President Obama during Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, 2025. The setting was the Washington National Cathedral, where political tensions seemed to momentarily fade.

During the funeral, Trump was seated next to Obama, engaging him in conversation that included an invitation to play golf at one of Trump’s many golf courses around the globe.

Details come from political reporters Josh Dorsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Earnsdorf, who documented Trump’s return to the White House and the campaign rivalry with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

It’s not clear exactly when the golf invitation was extended, or if any Democrats accepted it, which adds a bit of intrigue. However, the two were seen smiling at one another before the service began, a sign that their conversations might have been light-hearted despite underlying serious discussions.

At one moment, Trump mentioned needing to find a quieter space to tackle more important topics, hinting at a softer side in their dynamic.

Trump, reflecting on their exchange, noted that their apparent camaraderie was surprising. He remarked, “Boy, they look like two people who like each other,” suggesting a somewhat unexpected rapport between them despite their political past.

While the former First Lady Michelle Obama was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, Trump and Obama sat together, sidelining past grievances in memory of Carter. Michelle Obama later explained she hadn’t packed appropriately for the occasion, which added some levity to the situation.

On a broader note, Obama has not shied away from critiquing Trump’s policies in recent times, specifically addressing the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development. He described the decision as a tragedy, highlighting the importance of USAID’s mission worldwide.