Tensions and Tee Times: What Donald Trump Really Asked Barack Obama at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral

Throughout modern American political history, few rivalries have been as publicly tense—and oddly fascinating—as that between Donald Trump and Barack Obama. From the infamous “birther” controversy to frequent ideological clashes, the former presidents have remained on opposing ends of the political spectrum. Yet, a surprising moment of civility between the two at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral has recently come to light—and it involves something as unexpected as a golf game.

Long before Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, he was a vocal critic of Obama. Back in the late 2000s, Trump was one of the loudest voices questioning Obama’s eligibility for the presidency, promoting the unfounded theory that Obama wasn’t born in the U.S. Despite the fact that Obama publicly released his birth certificate showing his birth in Hawaii, Trump insisted on launching his own “investigation” and offered a $5 million reward to anyone who could prove the president’s birthplace. The topic would follow both men for years and remains a stain on the already charged relationship.

Obama, for his part, rarely engaged Trump directly over the matter during his presidency. But in the years following, he has made it clear that he views Trump’s approach to politics—and to the presidency itself—as deeply problematic. In speeches, interviews, and appearances, Obama has critiqued not only Trump’s policies but the erosion of political norms under his leadership. While he often refrains from mentioning Trump by name, the target of his criticism is rarely in question.

Still, politics often has room for strange, even human, encounters. That’s what happened during Jimmy Carter’s funeral, when five living U.S. presidents gathered to honor the nation’s 39th commander-in-chief. The scene was already a rare one—Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton, and Biden all sitting in the same space. But what caught observers by surprise was the sight of Donald Trump and Barack Obama sharing a moment of conversation and even laughter.

Until recently, what they said remained a mystery. Now, according to the new political book 2024 by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, the details of their conversation have surfaced—and the exchange was more unusual than most would have expected.

According to the book, Trump leaned in and casually invited Barack Obama to join him for a round of golf. Not just any round, but one at one of Trump’s luxury golf courses. With his signature bravado, Trump reportedly praised the beauty and prestige of his international courses, offering to host Obama for a game at a location of his choosing. The proposal was lighthearted but seemingly sincere.

“He sat next to Barack Obama and invited him to play golf,” the authors write, “enticing him with descriptions of Trump’s courses around the world.”

Though Obama’s response hasn’t been officially reported, sources close to the event say he smiled and laughed but offered no clear answer. It remains unclear whether he took the invitation seriously—or if he accepted it at all.

But the story doesn’t end there.

A professional lip reader who analyzed footage from the funeral, Jeremy Freeman, claimed that Trump also whispered something more cryptic to his predecessor. According to Freeman, Trump asked Obama if they could “find a quiet place” to talk later that day about a “matter of importance.” What that matter was is unknown, but speculation has been swirling in political circles. Some believe it may have involved global issues, legacy planning, or even something more personal.

For a brief moment, two political giants—often adversaries in the media and in policy—shared something that resembled camaraderie, or at least civility. That gesture, whether genuine or symbolic, stood out amid years of political bitterness. Could it have been a peace offering? A publicity move? Or simply an unexpected human interaction between two men who have shared one of the world’s most unique and demanding jobs?

What is clear is that even the most public of rivalries have moments of unpredictability. In a world of constant polarization, a simple invitation to play golf—made in the quiet reverence of a presidential funeral—reminds us that beneath the titles and sound bites, presidents are still people. They laugh, they reflect, and sometimes, they extend a hand across the aisle—even if it’s just to hold a golf club.