During the national funeral for former President Jimmy Carter earlier this year, something unexpected happened that quickly caught the attention of political watchers and everyday viewers alike. While the service was meant to honor the life and legacy of Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, a brief moment between Donald Trump and Barack Obama stole the spotlight and sparked curiosity across the country.
The event was held at the Washington National Cathedral, a traditional site for major state funerals. It brought together a wide range of leaders from across the political spectrum, including current and former presidents, vice presidents, lawmakers, and other high-ranking officials.
People expected the ceremony to be somber and respectful—and for the most part, it was. However, thanks to C-SPAN footage, viewers were treated to a rare moment of levity between two political giants who are not often seen engaging positively.
In a surprising twist, the cameras caught President Trump and former President Obama sitting side-by-side. While the two men have a long and complicated history filled with political tension and public disagreements, they were seen engaging in friendly conversation during the service. What really got people talking, though, was the moment Obama suddenly broke into laughter at something Trump said.
Given the well-documented friction between the two men over the years—Obama has openly criticized Trump on many occasions, and Trump frequently took aim at Obama during his presidency and beyond—Obama’s reaction was unexpected. Naturally, it sparked widespread speculation online and in the media. People wondered: What did Trump say that was so funny?
To make things more interesting, Vice President Kamala Harris was sitting directly in front of them. At one point, she turned around to glance at Trump and Obama, perhaps curious—or concerned—about what they were talking about. According to commentary from The Gateway Pundit, she looked “miserable,” as if she suspected the two men were making jokes at her expense. However, it turns out that their conversation had nothing to do with her.
Thanks to the upcoming book “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America” by respected political journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, the mystery behind the moment has now been solved. A short excerpt from the book, obtained by Axios, reveals what Trump said to Obama that led to the outburst of laughter.
According to the book:
“He sat next to Barack Obama and invited him to play golf, enticing him with descriptions of Trump’s courses around the world.”
Trump, who is well-known for his passion for golf, used the opportunity to extend a friendly—and perhaps unexpected—invitation to his predecessor. He described the many golf courses he owns around the globe, highlighting the luxury and variety they offer. For a moment, politics were set aside, and the two presidents shared a casual, even humorous exchange.
To many, the idea of Trump and Obama golfing together is almost unimaginable. But Trump appeared to be serious in his invitation, offering Obama the chance to play at one of his prestigious properties. And there are certainly plenty to choose from.
As noted by the Daily Mail, Trump owns 15 golf courses around the world. Eleven of these are located in the United States, while two are in Scotland, one is in Ireland, and another is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These properties are known for being high-end, with world-class design and amenities. A game between Trump and Obama on one of these courses would no doubt attract massive media coverage and public interest.
While many were amused by the moment, it also raised a few questions: Did Obama actually consider the offer? And if not, why? So far, there has been no official response from Obama about whether he plans to take Trump up on the invitation. Some commentators have jokingly speculated that maybe he didn’t want to risk losing to Trump, while others have suggested that Michelle Obama may have discouraged the idea altogether.
Regardless of the reason, the golf match never happened, and there’s no indication that it will. Still, the short but surprising exchange between the two former presidents offered a glimpse into how even the fiercest political rivals can share a human moment.
It also reminded many viewers that outside of their political roles, these individuals sometimes relate to each other in more relaxed, personal ways—even in unexpected settings like a funeral service. While the moment was fleeting, it left a lasting impression and became one of the most talked-about scenes from the Carter memorial.
Whether you find it humorous, strange, or even symbolic, the image of Trump offering Obama a golf game—and Obama laughing in response—is one that many people won’t forget anytime soon.
