Trump stuns by praising Clinton, jokes about beating Taft's weight record on SLOTUS' podcast
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump struck an unusually lighthearted tone during an appearance on Second Lady Usha Vance's children's podcast, 'Storytime with the Second Lady', where he mixed praise for former President Bill Clinton with jokes about his own weight and reflections on America's past commanders in chief.
Trump on Bill Clinton:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 3, 2026
He actually was a nice guy. I like Bill Clinton a lot. I still do. pic.twitter.com/1SYkn9UB1U
The episode, released ahead of Independence Day, featured Trump discussing the White House Historical Association's children's book 'Presidents at Play', which explores the hobbies, sports and personal interests of US presidents.
While the conversation centered on history, Trump's candid remarks quickly became some of the podcast's biggest talking points.
Trump offers rare Clinton praise
While discussing the fitness habits of former presidents, Trump surprised listeners by speaking warmly about former President Bill Clinton.
"He was actually a nice guy," Trump said, adding that he likes Clinton "a lot" while recalling the Democrat's well-known jogging routine.
.@POTUS: "Jimmy [Carter] as a tennis player, Barack Hussein Obama as a basketball player. I don't know if he was 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." pic.twitter.com/W4pHxqIl48
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 3, 2026
Trump also spoke about former President Barack Obama, referring to him by his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, while discussing Obama's love of basketball. Turning to President John F Kennedy, Trump described him as "the second most good-looking president."
The comments marked a departure from Trump's usual campaign rhetoric, offering a more personal assessment of several former presidents.
President Taft joke draws laughs
The president also joked about William Howard Taft, long recognized as America's heaviest president.
Trump noted that Taft enjoyed attending baseball games and eating hot dogs before quipping, "I have to be careful because I don't want to supersede his record."
Trump: "William Taft ... he was a large man. Loved the hot dogs at the baseball games. 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." pic.twitter.com/Iw6OCy341N
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 3, 2026
He followed the remark with advice for younger viewers, saying, "Keep yourself in good shape."
Asked what he enjoys reading for fun, Trump responded with another humorous line: "Mostly newspapers. I usually read stories about myself."
Fourth of July message to children
The conversation concluded with Usha Vance asking Trump what message he would share with children celebrating Independence Day.
Trump said the United States remains at an important moment in its history but expressed confidence about the country's future.
"We have a great country that is on a little bit of a ledge right now," Trump said. "We're going to make it go the other [way], and we're going to make America greater than ever before."
The appearance showcased a lighter, more conversational side of the president, blending presidential history, humor and patriotic themes in a family-focused setting ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
