Trump Uses Children’s Book Reading To Bash Obama President Donald Trump participated in a children’s book reading event as part of a series hosted by Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, known as “Storytime with the Second Lady.” During the event, Trump selected the book “President’s Play!” published by the White House Historical Association. The activity, intended to engage young audiences with historical figures, became a platform for Trump to make personal and political remarks. When asked by Pence if he ever read for fun, Trump responded, “I end up reading mostly newspapers. I usually read stories about myself.” His answer drew attention, as it highlighted his focus on self-promotion rather than leisure reading. The comment was met with mixed reactions, with some observers noting the irony of a president who frequently uses media appearances to shape his public image. As Trump read through the book, he made several remarks about past presidents, often expressing admiration for Democratic leaders. He praised former President Bill Clinton, stating, “I like Bill Clinton a lot, still do,” and described Jimmy Carter as “a very nice man.” These comments contrasted with his usual criticism of opponents, showcasing a rare moment of bipartisan praise. However, Trump’s remarks were not limited to historical figures—he also made self-deprecating jokes, including a quip about his physical appearance. At one point, Trump joked, “I don’t know if I look good in a bathing suit, I haven’t had a bathing suit in a long time,” a reference to his frequent public comments about his physique. He also made a light-hearted remark about President William Howard Taft, the heaviest U.S. president, saying, “I have to be careful so I don’t supersede his record.#donald_trump #bill_clinton #mike_pence #white_house_historical_association #karen_pence
Trump reads to children on Usha Vance's podcast and veers off script | AP News President Donald Trump joined second lady Usha Vance on her podcast, where guests read children’s books to young listeners, but the former president’s appearance quickly deviated from the scripted format. During the episode of Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady,” Trump read a picture book titled “Presidents Play!” from the White House Historical Association, which features illustrations of past presidents engaging in recreational activities. The segment, posted online on Friday, was recorded in mid-June in the Oval Office, where Trump’s usual decor was augmented with a bald eagle stuffed animal, oversized book-stacked tables, and a Lego globe. As Trump navigated the children’s book, he interjected with commentary on historical figures, personal anecdotes, and remarks about his own time in the White House. When Vance asked if he had much time to read for fun while in office, Trump replied that he mostly read newspapers, adding, “I usually read stories about myself.” The book’s pages prompted him to describe Lyndon Johnson as a “tough cookie,” Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person” and “like your father was president,” and John F. Kennedy as “the second-most good-looking president.” He left unspoken who he considered the best-looking president. Trump’s remarks extended to Richard Nixon, whom he described as having “got himself into trouble” after the Watergate scandal. He also referenced Herbert Hoover, who played a game called “Hoover Ball” during the Great Depression, quipping, “That worked out better for him than the economy.” Barack Obama, a long-time target of Trump’s criticism, was depicted playing basketball in the book.#trump #usha_vance #white_house_historical_association #storytime_with_the_second_lady #oval_office
