Obama and Trump: A Relationship Defined by Absence and Criticism
7 reported
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago officially opened to the public this week, with all four living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama—attending the opening ceremonies. Current President Donald Trump was not invited and did not attend. In his dedication speech, former President Obama criticized division and cynicism without naming Trump, while Trump has continued to reference Obama frequently, including at a G7 press conference and a Cabinet meeting. NPR senior political correspondent Tamara Keith reported that Trump’s hatred of Obama is visceral, and that Trump rose to political prominence by promoting the theory that Obama was not born in America. A CNN poll cited in the report shows Obama’s favorability at 57% and Trump’s at 33%, a low for his presidency.
What’s reported
President Trump did not attend the Obama Presidential Center opening and was not invited.
All four living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama—attended the opening ceremonies.
In his speech, Obama criticized division and cynicism, saying people are looking for fairness, common sense, and mutual respect.
Trump referred to Obama eight times at a G7 press conference and brought him up in meetings with other world leaders.
Trump posted an AI-produced image of the Obama Center depicting the museum tower as a giant trash can.
Trump rose to political prominence by promoting the theory that Obama was not born in America, as seen in a 2011 appearance on "The View."
A CNN poll shows Obama’s favorability at 57% and Trump’s at 33%.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Former President Barack Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama
Former President Bill Clinton
Former President George W. Bush
Former President Joe Biden
NPR senior political correspondent Tamara Keith
Sources: NPR
