Trump and Obama’s rare meeting at Carter’s funeral analysed by lip readers

At former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, a seemingly friendly conversation between Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump hid a more serious exchange, according to a professional lip reader.

The two political rivals, who have had tense relations over the years, were seen smiling and laughing as they sat next to each other.

Photo: AFP

As the pair engaged in the discussion, Trump, 78, leaned toward Obama, 63, and is reported to have said, “I’ve pulled out of that. It’s the conditions. Can you imagine that?” This may have been a reference to international agreements the US President-elect withdrew from during his first presidency, or plans to withdraw after assuming office next week.

Trump then told Obama, “We’ll have to find a quiet place later to discuss this,” suggesting the conversation was something they planned to address in private.

“I can’t talk, we have to find a quiet place sometime. This is a matter of importance and we need to do this outside so that we can deal with it, certainly, today,” Trump added. Obama nodded in agreement.

As the exchange continued, Trump added, “and after, I will,” prompting Obama to laugh. At one point, Trump told Obama, “Call me at the foy after, yep,” possibly referring to the National Cathedral’s foyer.

Freeman, the forensic lip reader, also caught Obama saying, “Listen to me, it’s a chore, a chore,” though the exact meaning of the statement wasn’t clear. Trump responded, “Yeah, right. I can’t think of anything that’s a chore.”

The brief but intriguing conversation, captured before the TV camera cut away, stands in stark contrast to the more heated interactions the two men have had in the past. Trump was a key figure in the "birther" movement, which questioned Obama's birthplace, and after the 2016 election, Trump accused Obama of ordering surveillance on his campaign. Despite their past tensions, the cordiality on display at Carter's funeral came as a surprise to many.

As Obama and Trump conversed, Vice President Kamala Harris, seated just ahead of them, caught the eye of social media users.

Photo: AFP

Many speculated about her reactions as she glanced back at the pair, with some suggesting she appeared frustrated or even jealous of their unexpected camaraderie. "Kamala’s face when Obama speaks to Trump! If looks could kill!" one comment humorously remarked.

Obama and Trump’s spokespeople have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the conversation.