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"Storytime Shenanigans: How Trump’s Book Reading Took a Hilarious Turn into Political Roast Mode!"

Added on July 4, 2026 inFree CelebrityNews

Did you ever wonder how a children’s book could spark a conversation about the weighty legacies of American presidents? Well, look no further than President Donald Trump’s recent reading session on Usha Vance’s podcast, where he tackled “Presidents Play,” an enchanting book from the White House Historical Society. While one might expect a simple reading, Trump, on this particular starry day, unleashed his inner commentator, drifting from the pages to dish out his own savvy insights on past commanders-in-chief—poking fun, drawing comparisons, and even tossing in some self-deprecating humor. Between cosmic vibes and critical reflections, he painted a quirky picture of presidential pastimes while shining a light on his own administration. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this captivating episode where literature, laughter, and leadership intertwine, reminding us all that even presidents have some playful moments amidst their grand responsibilities.

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President Donald Trump turned a children’s book reading into an impromptu commentary session on America’s former commanders-in-chief. Appearing on second lady Usha Vance’s podcast Friday, Trump read portions of “Presidents Play,” a book produced by the White House Historical Society that highlights how U.S. presidents spent their free time while in office. But rather than simply reading the text, Trump frequently veered off script, offering his own observations about several former presidents and occasionally comparing them to himself.

Trump Hosts A Rose Garden Club Dinner With American Farmers
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

As he flipped through the pages, Trump shared his thoughts on everyone from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. Discussing JFK, Trump remarked, “He was handsome. He was the second-most good-looking president, they say.”

When the book referenced Obama’s love of sports, Trump questioned the former president’s basketball abilities. “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.”

Joking About Weight, Bathing Suits, And Exercise

President Trump Speaks On White House Religious Liberty Commission Report
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The president also found opportunities to poke fun at himself. While discussing former President William Howard Taft, who remains the heaviest president in U.S. history, Trump joked, “He was our heaviest president, and I have to be careful, because I don’t want to supersede his record, and a thing like that would be possible if I allowed it to happen,” he said. “For all of you out there watching, keep yourself in good shape, right?”

When the book mentioned Gerald Ford installing an outdoor swimming pool at the White House, Trump quipped, “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.”

He also addressed former President Bill Clinton‘s jogging track, saying, “I don’t think I’ll ever do that. I don’t see myself doing that. I don’t know, but he’s actually was a nice guy. I like Bill Clinton a lot. I still do.”

Trump Says He Wants To Be Seen Working, Not Golfing

Donald Trump
Yuri Gripas / Abaca/Pool via CNP / MEGA

Another moment came when Trump discussed Dwight Eisenhower’s decision to add a putting green to the White House grounds. Despite his well-known love of golf, Trump said he has avoided using the White House putting area. “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,” the president said.

Trump also reacted to a passage about Abraham Lincoln’s love of horseback riding. “I’d like to ride horses too,” he said. “In fact, it gives me an idea, but when you fall off a horse, I’ve seen too many bad things happen.”

Trump Used The Book To Highlight His Own White House Projects

Trump Announces DC Will Host the 2027 NFL Draft
Jim LoScalzo – Pool via CNP / MEGA

Throughout the reading, Trump repeatedly connected stories about former presidents to his own administration.

After reading about Harry Truman’s habit of taking walks through Washington, D.C., Trump praised his own crime reduction efforts and federal law enforcement initiatives, arguing the nation’s capital “has become a very safe place.” He also referenced plans for a new White House ballroom while discussing John Quincy Adams.

According to Trump, his proposed “beautiful ballroom” would be built on land that once served as part of Tiber Creek, which flowed near the White House before being redirected in the 19th century.

Former Presidents Have Been A Frequent Topic During Trump’s Second Term

Donald Trump
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Trump’s latest remarks come as he continues to compare his presidency to those of his predecessors while shaping the legacy of his second term.

During a CNBC interview this week, Trump referenced former President Herbert Hoover while discussing international negotiations and economic concerns. “I don’t want to be a president that oversees the great worldwide depression, that was Herbert Hoover, and it was a terrible thing,” Trump said.

Earlier in the week, the president also visited the presidential library of Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota, where he spent part of his speech discussing the Panama Canal.

Trump later recalled interacting with a hologram version of Roosevelt and asking, “What do you think about the Panama Canal? Do you consider that your greatest achievement and how do you feel about the fact that the Democrats gave the Panama Canal away to Panama for $1?”

The president then criticized the decision to transfer control of the canal, saying, “We gave it away. It was the most expensive thing we ever built and it was also the most profitable thing we ever built. How stupid was that?”

As Trump approaches the midpoint of his second term, his comments suggest he’s continuing to measure his presidency against those who occupied the White House before him, even while reading a children’s book.

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