Trump reads children's book on podcast, riffs on past presidents and himself

President Donald Trump made an appearance on Second Lady Usha Vance's podcast, "Storytime with the Second Lady," where he read the children's book "Presidents Play!" The pre-taped segment, filmed in the Oval Office, featured Trump offering his characteristic off-script commentary on various topics, including his predecessors and his own time in the White House.

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I usually read stories about myself.

As Trump read the book, which illustrates presidents engaged in sports and using White House grounds, he shared his thoughts on several former leaders. He described Lyndon Johnson as a "tough cookie" and Ronald Reagan as a "high-quality person." He called John F. Kennedy "the second-most good-looking president," leaving his own ranking unstated. Regarding Richard Nixon, Trump noted he "got himself into trouble, I guess," and quipped about Herbert Hoover's "Hoover Ball" game, suggesting it "worked out better for him than the economy."

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Lyndon Johnson was a tough cookie.

Trump also commented on Barack Obama, depicted playing basketball, expressing doubt about his skills and noting his preference for golf, adding, "He won't be in the Master's anytime soon." He remarked on Bill Clinton, whom he said he "likes a lot," despite seeing a picture of Clinton running on the White House track. Trump also mused about riding a horse after seeing a depiction of Abraham Lincoln, suggesting he would prefer a "nice old horse that's extremely slow, lazy."

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Ronald Reagan was a high-quality person and like your father was president.

The appearance also touched upon Trump's personal habits, as he admitted to mostly reading newspapers and "stories about myself" when asked about reading for pleasure. The setting for the podcast included gold accents, a stuffed bald eagle, oversized books, and a Lego globe, adding to the unique atmosphere of the presidential appearance.

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John F. Kennedy was the second-most good-looking president.