Chummy Trump and Obama at Carter funeral spur online chatter

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News on Jan 9, 2025

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President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama appeared to indulge in some grave humor at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., sharing laughs and conversation before the start of Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

Despite their political differences, Trump and Obama seemed more like old pals as they waited for Carter’s service to begin late Thursday morning.

Seated side by side in the second row, the unlikely duo were caught chuckling and chatting while the rest of the attendees filed into the Woodley Park church, among them former President George W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton and President Biden. They were also joined by their wives: former first lady Laura Bush and former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as well current first lady Jill Biden.

Notably absent, however, was former first lady Michelle Obama, who reportedly missed the event due to scheduling conflicts. Had she attended, Michelle would’ve been been in the spot next to the President-elect instead of her husband.

The interaction sparked a wave of varied reactions online, leaving many shocked and others amused while some just wanted in on the joke.

“I would pay a lot of money to hear this conversation,” said one social media user.

“Trump and Obama sitting next to each other was not on the 2025 bingo card,” reads another post shared to X.

Politico congressional reporter Anthony Adragna echoed the sentiment, sharing an especially joyful photo of the former presidents on X.

“What an image,” he commented.

Another wrote: “Obama and Trump are acting like they’re at happy hour.”

Outkick founder Clay Travis similarly joked about the exchange while highlighting Trump’s sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris back in November.

“Did Obama vote for Trump too?” he quipped.

Carter died at his home in Georgia on December 29 at 100 years old. Following his D.C. funeral, Carter will return to his hometown of Plains, where he will be buried next to his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter.

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