Former President Barack Obama shared a lighthearted moment involving former President George W. Bush during Donald Trump’s inauguration at the Capitol.
On Monday, January 20, Barack Obama, 63, joked about George W. Bush’s conduct when Trump, 78, was sworn into office. Responding to a Washington Post reporter, Emily Davies, Obama humorously remarked that Bush “just barely” behaved.
This playful comment referenced a previous video posted by Davies, capturing Obama lining up for the event alongside Bush and his wife, Laura, also 78. The clip highlighted Obama’s humor as a staffer teasingly asked George if he planned to behave.
Answering on Bush’s behalf, Obama cheekily quipped, “Nope.” Bush’s humorous interactions, especially with Michelle Obama, have often gained public attention. However, Michelle, 61, did not attend the inauguration.
A source close to Michelle revealed her absence stemmed from her strong feelings about Trump.
The source explained Michelle avoids appearances that are solely for protocol or tradition.
“She won’t pretend for the sake of appearances,” the insider noted, adding Michelle prefers to avoid the public spotlight after her tenure as the first lady from 2009 to 2017.
Additionally, the source highlighted Trump’s history of criticizing the Obamas and making offensive remarks about people of color, further influencing Michelle’s decision to skip the event.
Despite Michelle’s absence, Barack and George appeared to enjoy each other’s company at the inauguration, continuing their amicable relationship seen in recent events.
For instance, during Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, the surviving presidents and first ladies, except Michelle, gathered to pay their respects to the 39th president.
At the event, George playfully greeted Barack by tapping him on the stomach as he joined the seating row, displaying their ongoing camaraderie.
Bush, who served as president from 2001 to 2009, was succeeded by Obama, who held two terms from 2009 to 2017. Over time, their friendship has drawn public admiration.
In a 2018 interview with Today, Michelle described George as her “partner in crime” at major events involving former presidents and first ladies.
“We’re together a lot, and I love him to death,” Michelle said, praising Bush as a “wonderful” and “funny” man.
Bush reciprocated the sentiment in an interview the same year, noting, “She enjoys my humor, and anyone who likes my humor, I instantly like.”
This warm connection between the Obamas and Bushes continues to stand out, offering a light-hearted reminder of unity among former leaders.