Donald Trump invited Barack Obama to play golf at his courses at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, new book reveals
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and Barack Obama, longtime political adversaries, shared a surprisingly cordial moment during the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter in January 2025.
The pair was seated side by side at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, where onlookers observed the two engaged in light conversation, even laughing, a stark contrast to their usual public hostility.
According to details from the forthcoming book '2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America', Trump took the opportunity to extend a rather unexpected invitation to Obama: a game of golf.
Donald Trump invited Barack Obama to play golf during Jimmy Carter's funeral
As described in the book by reporters Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, Donald Trump attempted to break the ice by encouraging Barack Obama to join him for a round of golf.
He “enticed him with descriptions of Trump’s courses around the world,” including his properties in the US, Scotland, Ireland, and the UAE. The moment may have coincided with a viral video showing Obama chuckling at something Trump said, footage that later sparked speculation online about what was said between the two.
Trump later acknowledged the friendly optics of their exchange, telling reporters, “It did look very friendly, I must say... I saw it on your wonderful network... and I said, 'Boy, they look like two people that like each other.'”
It remains unclear whether Obama gave a definitive response, but no golf game has taken place to date. Sources familiar with the interaction suggest Obama politely deflected the offer without committing either way.
A rare glimpse of civility between former rivals
This brief moment of levity stood in stark contrast to their cold demeanor at the funeral of former President George HW Bush in 2018, where the two men avoided direct interaction and were seated apart. This time, Trump sat to Obama’s right, with Melania Trump on his left. Michelle Obama did not attend the service.
Eyewitnesses noted that at one point, Trump and Obama leaned in closely, prompting then-Vice President Kamala Harris, seated nearby, to glance back at them in surprise. The book also recounts Trump suggesting they find a “quiet place” to speak further after the service.
Though their exchange was brief, it gave rise to speculation over whether either man was attempting to project a more bipartisan tone, however temporary.
Internet reacts to Trump-Obama moment at Jimmy Carter's funeral
The unexpected moment of warmth between Trump and Obama at Jimmy Carter’s funeral has ignited a wide range of reactions online, from cautious optimism to hardened cynicism.
One user joked, “Obama would not like to play 47 at golf — much like politics, he would be beaten,” implying that Trump’s invitation may have carried more swagger than sincerity.
Others saw hope in the lighthearted exchange: “If these two men can get along and have a laugh, can’t the rest of us give it a try?” the comment read, reflecting a desire for broader political civility.
But not all reactions were upbeat. Several accused the encounter of being performative or opportunistic. “How pathetic. At Jimmy’s funeral, some punk was more interested in making money by taking pics of a person he doesn’t like,” one user wrote, criticizing the media attention more than the interaction itself.
A more jaded take summed up the moment with: “It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it,” suggesting the exchange was emblematic of elite political theater rather than genuine reconciliation.
Others commented on the transformative nature of the presidency itself. “Once inaugurated, it’s amazing how the title President of the USA fells the toughest trees!” one remark read, nodding to how power can soften even the fiercest critics.
Still, the partisan divide remained apparent in some reactions, such as: “Trump is a darned sight more gracious than Obama,” signaling continued loyalty to one side of the political aisle.
Barack Obama and Donald Trump's rift deepens despite golf invite
Whatever goodwill may have emerged at the funeral appears to have been fleeting. In the months following the event, Trump resumed public criticism of Obama, including removing his portrait from the White House and reigniting conspiratorial attacks tied to QAnon narratives.
He also launched a televised rant against Obama’s presidential library, accusing the former president of unspecified wrongdoing.
Obama, meanwhile, has openly condemned Trump’s return to power. Speaking at a New York rally earlier this year, he warned, “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.”
While both presidents have reputations for using golf as a form of diplomacy, Obama has previously played with George W Bush and Bill Clinton; there is no indication he will take Trump up on his offer.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
