Barack Obama Tells Reporter George W. Bush ‘Just Barely’ Behaved During Donald Trump’s Inauguration

Mar. 15, 2025

Former PresidentBarack Obamaplayfully kept a watchful eye on fellow former PresidentGeorge W. Bushduring PresidentDonald Trump’s inauguration.

After leaving the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, Jan. 20, Obama, 63, was asked if Bush, 78, behaved as Trump, 78, was sworn into office.

“Just barely,” the former presidentjokingly toldWashington Postreporter Emily Davies in a clip she shared onX.

The question referenced another video thatDavies published earlier in the daywith a solo Obama lining up for the inauguration behind Bush and his wife Laura Bush, also 78.

As the former presidents and the former first lady prepared to enter the event, a staffer asked George, “Are you going to behave?”

Answering for him, Obama replied: “Nope.”

Former US President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush and former US President Barack Obama — January 20, 2025.Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty

Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty

While George’splayful interactionswithMichelle Obamahave gone viral in the past, the former first lady, 61, was noticeably absent from Monday’s ceremony.

“There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,“a source told PEOPLEon Jan. 15. “Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”

Former President George W. Bush, Former First Lady Laura Bush and Former President Barack Obama — January 20, 2025.Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty

Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty

The source added that Michelle “doesn’t feel the need to be a public figure anymore,” after serving as a first lady from 2009 to 2017 during Barack’s presidency.

US First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama escort former US President George W. Bush and his wife Laura — January 20, 2009.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty

Still, Barack and George seemed to enjoy each other’s company at the inauguration, as well as other recent events.

DuringJimmy Carter’sstate funeralon Jan. 9,all of the living U.S. presidentsand all of the surviving first ladies (except Michelle due to a scheduling conflict) paid their respects to the 39th American president in Washington at the National Cathedral.

With Barack already being seated next toDonaldandMelania Trump, when George and Laura made their way to their seats on the same row, George gave Baracka friendly tap on the bellywith his knuckles.

Funeral service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.Getty

Getty

After George’s presidency from 2001 to 2009, Barack followed with two consecutive terms as well.

During a 2018 interview withToday, Michelle referred to George as “my partner in crimeat every major thing where all the formers gather.”

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“So we’re together all the time, and I love him to death,” she continued at the time, calling the 43rd president a “wonderful” and “funny” man.

That same year,George told PEOPLE, “[Michelle] kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like.”

source: people.com