Trump joins Usha Vance's podcast, reads children's book, comments on predecessors

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on a podcast hosted by second lady Usha Vance, where he read a children's book and offered remarks about past presidents, his own physique, and his time in the White House. Ms. Vance's podcast, “Storytime with the Second Lady,” features guests reading picture books to children. The episode was posted online on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Mr. Trump pre-taped the appearance in mid-June in the Oval Office. The room, decorated with gold accents added by Mr. Trump, also featured a bald eagle stuffed animal, tables made of stacked oversized books, and a globe constructed from Legos. During the reading, Mr. Trump provided running commentary on the presidents depicted in the book “Presidents Play!” published by the White House Historical Association.

When Ms. Vance asked whether he finds time to read for fun, Mr. Trump replied that he mostly reads newspapers and added, “I usually read stories about myself.”

As he turned the pages, Mr. Trump made observations about various former presidents. He described 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 did not specify whom he considers the most good-looking. Regarding Richard Nixon, Mr. Trump noted that Nixon “got himself into trouble, I guess.” Of Herbert Hoover, who served during the Great Depression, Mr. Trump remarked that a game Hoover created called “Hoover Ball” “worked out better for him than the economy.”

When he reached a page depicting Barack Obama playing basketball, Mr. Trump referred to him as “Barack Hussein Obama” and expressed doubt about Obama's basketball skills. He added that Obama's favourite sport is golf but said, “He won't be in the Master's anytime soon.” On Bill Clinton, who was shown running on a track, Mr. Trump said, “I don't think I'll ever do that,” but commented that he likes Clinton “a lot”.

Seeing Abraham Lincoln on horseback prompted Mr. Trump to muse about riding himself. However, he expressed caution: “I've seen too many things happen. Falling off horses is not good.” He suggested using “a nice old horse that's extremely slow, lazy” and that he would “maybe ride it.” A picture of John Quincy Adams swimming led Mr. Trump to mention that the White House is “building a beautiful ballroom on top of it.”

Mr. Trump also reflected on his own physique. After seeing Gerald Ford swimming, he said: “I don't know if I look good in a bathing suit. I haven't had a bathing suit in a long time.” Referring to William Howard Taft, the heaviest president, Mr. Trump said, “I have to be careful because I don't want to supersede his record... For all of you out there watching, keep yourself in good shape.”

When asked for advice for children on celebrating July 4th, Mr. Trump said, “We have a great country... it's on a little bit of a ledge,” without elaborating clearly. The podcast aims to provide educational content for young listeners, though Mr. Trump's remarks often veered from the book's text.