Seeing these political heavyweights sitting side by side, smiling and seemingly enjoying each other’s company, was a rare sight. It happened on January 9th during Jimmy Carter’s funeral, sparking curiosity and intrigue among observers.
Exploring Their Conversation
A UK forensic lip-reader, Jeremy Freeman, decided to delve into the footage to uncover what might have been exchanged between Trump and Obama. By closely analyzing the video’s silent dialogue, he attempted to piece together their discussion.
Although the exact words are not confirmed, Freeman speculated that their talk might have revolved around international agreements. Based on his reading, Trump appeared to suggest that he had withdrawn from some agreements, potentially hinting at past decisions like leaving the Iran nuclear deal or the Paris Climate Agreement. He reportedly expressed to Obama, “I’ve pulled out of that…can you imagine?”
Obama’s reaction was seemingly light-hearted, with Freeman suggesting he replied, “And after, I will.” This exchange suggests a shared moment of humor or understanding between the two leaders.
Continuing with the interaction, Trump seemed to propose a meeting spot, mentioning, “Call me at the foy after, yep,” referencing perhaps the cathedral’s foyer. Freeman interpreted Obama’s response as possibly, “Can you just,” followed by “It should be good.” It was inferred that Trump also mentioned needing a private space, “We have to find a quiet place sometime.”
The conversation appeared to conclude with Obama nodding and possibly saying, “Listen to me, it’s a chore, a chore,” a line open to various interpretations.
Trump’s Perspective on the Exchange
Once the footage gained attention, Trump shared his thoughts on the incident, remarking on how congenial they seemed. “I didn’t realize how friendly it looked,” Trump told reporters. “Boy, they look like two people that like each other,” he reflected, acknowledging the surprisingly pleasant interaction despite their divergent views.
He further pondered on their political stances, “We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do.” In a more casual tone, he added, “I don’t know. We just got along—But I got along with just about everybody.”
While this amiable exchange was captured in the solemn setting of a funeral, the two have a history marked by notable disputes. Trump previously accused Obama of orchestrating intelligence agencies to spy on his first presidential campaign. On the other hand, Obama has not shied away from mocking Trump’s nuances, sometimes comparing his lengthy speeches to those of Fidel Castro.
As of now, Obama has yet to publicly discuss their brief interaction during Carter’s funeral, leaving people to speculate about what truly passed between them in that shared moment.