Trump and Obama bond over golf at Carter's funeral

In January 2025, President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama shared a friendly interaction during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, held at the Washington National Cathedral. This event occurred just days before Trump's anticipated return to the Oval Office following a contentious election cycle. The moment was captured on video, showcasing Trump and Obama smiling and conversing, which quickly went viral on social media, highlighting an unexpected display of bipartisanship between the two leaders who had previously had a contentious political history. The new book titled '2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America' provides insight into the dynamics of this unprecedented election cycle and sheds light on Trump’s resurgence in American politics. On the day of the funeral, Trump arrived in Washington, described within the book as a 'conqueror', signaling his political comeback since winning the election in November 2024. Seated beside Obama, the two exchanged pleasantries, with Trump inviting Obama to play golf, mentioning his courses around the world. This relaxed camaraderie stands in stark contrast to their previous years of political rivalry. The gathering included many prominent figures from the political sphere, such as former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as then-President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence. The presence of such experienced political leaders during a somber occasion added to the public's intrigue regarding Trump's and Obama's friendly interaction. Social media users humorously noted the unlikelihood of Trump and Obama being seen together in such a friendly manner following years of animosity and contention. Observers remarked on how this moment was not only unexpected but also served to humanize both figures in the public eye, as they shared a laugh and appeared at ease in each other's company. This shift represents a broader theme of bipartisanship, although it remains to be seen whether this moment will translate into future collaborative efforts. Ultimately, this interaction at Carter's funeral allows for conversation around unity in the political landscape, contrasting sharply with the prior disagreements that had defined their presidencies.