Obama tells Trump a harsh truth about his hometown.
Former President Barack Obama recently shared his views on his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, labeling him as “not considered a serious guy” in New York, where Trump is originally from. Obama made these comments during the latest episode of the “Smartless” podcast, hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, which was released on Monday. The podcast featured Obama, President Joe Biden, and former President Bill Clinton, and was recorded back in March.
During the podcast, Bateman inquired whether Obama was taken aback by how swiftly the “protection and passion for democracy was diluted” during Trump’s term in office. Obama acknowledged his surprise at the lack of mechanisms within the GOP that permitted Trump to dominate the party.
However, Obama emphasized that Trump’s actions did not catch him off guard. “Trump didn’t surprise me,” he stated. “You watch Trump’s campaign, you watch his career, he’s never changed.”
Obama elaborated further by stating, “I mean, he comes from New York. There’s nobody in New York who does business with him or will lend him money. He is not considered a serious guy here.”
Expressing his astonishment at Trump’s election victory, Obama explained, “I was surprised he was elected, but I wasn’t surprised in terms of his behavior. I did expect … there would be some folks in the Republican Party who would say, ‘No you can’t go that far, you can’t start praising [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and saying that his intelligence is better than the U.S. intelligence agencies.’”
In 2019, Trump shifted his official residency from New York to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Earlier this year, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump must pay $355 million in penalties following a civil fraud trial in New York where he was found guilty of inflating his company’s assets to obtain loans and business deals. Trump is presently involved in a hush money trial in the city as well.
It is evident from Obama’s comments that Trump’s reputation in New York, his hometown, is not one of seriousness or credibility in the business world. The insights provided by Obama shed light on the perceptions surrounding Trump in influential circles.
The revelations made by Obama during the podcast offer a unique perspective on Trump’s trajectory and the implications of his actions within the political landscape. As the discussion delves into Trump’s background and behaviors, it becomes clear why Obama and others view him through a critical lens, particularly in the context of governance and leadership.
The podcast discussion serves as a platform for insightful dialogue among prominent figures, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics between key political personalities and their interpretations of current events. Obama’s candid remarks provide valuable insights into the complexities of political life and the challenges posed by divisive figures like Trump.
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Obama’s assessment of Trump reflects a broader sentiment prevalent among certain circles, highlighting the significance of reputation and character in the realm of politics. By sharing his perspectives on Trump’s personality and conduct, Obama offers a nuanced viewpoint that prompts reflection on the nature of leadership and public perception.
Overall, Obama’s comments on Trump’s standing in New York and the repercussions of his actions serve to underscore the enduring impact of political figures on society. The exchange on the “Smartless” podcast encapsulates a moment of candid discourse that resonates with audiences seeking clarity on the intricacies of political narratives and the implications of influential figures on public discourse.
