Trump says he 'usually read stories about himself' on Usha Vance's podcast, jokes about bathing suit

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump brought his trademark humor to Second Lady Usha Vance's children's podcast called 'Storytime with the Second Lady' on Friday, July 3, joking that he rarely has time to read for fun because he spends most of his time reading "stories about myself."

What followed wasn't an ordinary storybook reading.

Instead, Trump turned the children's book into an unscripted tour through presidential history, offering jokes, compliments, playful jabs, and even a few thoughts about his own appearance.

Trump delivers a classic one-liner

The light-hearted exchange began when Usha Vance asked the president whether he still finds time to read outside of his demanding schedule in the White House.

"All of these incredible accomplishments, they take a lot of reading," Usha Vance said. "Do you have any time to read for fun these days?"

Trump smiled before delivering a response, saying, "I end up reading mostly newspapers. I usually read stories about myself."

The remark set the tone for the rest of the episode, which featured Trump reading 'Presidents Play!', a children's book published by the White House Historical Association highlighting how American presidents relaxed and enjoyed sports while living at the White House.

Storytime quickly turns into Trump commentary

Although the president faithfully read through the book, he couldn't resist adding his own commentary as each commander-in-chief appeared on the pages.

Looking at former President Lyndon B Johnson, Trump described him simply as "a tough cookie."

He praised Ronald Reagan as "a high-quality person," before warmly adding that it was "like your father was president."

When the book featured John F Kennedy, Trump called him: "The second-most good-looking president."

He never revealed who he believes deserves first place. Several pages inspired Trump's trademark humor.

When Barack Obama appeared playing basketball, Trump questioned whether the former president was actually very good at the sport before adding that golf was Obama's real passion.

"He won't be in the Masters anytime soon," Trump joked. The president struck a noticeably friendlier tone while discussing Bill Clinton.

Although he admitted jogging wasn't exactly his preferred exercise after seeing Clinton running on the White House track, Trump added: "I like Bill a lot."

Trump reflects on horses and bathing suits

Some of the book's illustrations prompted Trump to talk about himself.

A drawing of Abraham Lincoln riding horseback inspired Trump to say he'd like to ride horses someday but only under one condition.

"A nice old horse that's extremely slow, lazy," he laughed, explaining he had seen too many people fall from horses.

Later, a page featuring Gerald Ford swimming prompted another self-deprecating moment. "I don't know if I look good in a bathing suit," Trump joked. "I haven't had a bathing suit in a long time."

He also laughed about former President William Howard Taft, historically remembered as America's heaviest president. "I have to be careful because I don't want to supersede his record," Trump said. "Keep yourself in good shape," he added.