Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush demonstrated their well-documented rapport during President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C., adding another chapter to their history of memorable public interactions.
The day began with a telling moment when a member of Bush’s staff posed a simple question: “Are you going to behave or not?” Obama, positioned behind Bush at the time, immediately jumped in with a playful “Nope,” setting the tone for the day’s events.
The interaction between the two former presidents continued to draw attention throughout the ceremony. According to a professional deaf lip reader, Jackie Gonzalez, who regularly interprets celebrities’ and political figures’ conversations, Obama first greeted Bush with “Good to see you,” before asking, “How can we stop what’s happening?” The comment elicited a barely contained laugh from Bush.
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of the former President and NBC Today Show host, later revealed that the Bush family group chat was “blowing up” with comments about her father’s reactions during the ceremony. “My dad was containing his laughter, raising his eyebrows and winking,” Hager said, noting that despite the divisive political climate, “even in divisive times, we have so much more that unites us.” When reporters later questioned Obama about whether Bush had behaved during the inauguration, Obama responded with a characteristic grin, “Just barely.”
During the ceremony, the 43rd President exhibited a variety of playful reactions. Bush, who is 78, appeared to find amusement during the event. Jenna Bush Hager speculated that her father likely made eye contact with someone, and she jokingly suggested he wasn’t the only one responsible for his antics.
She pointed out that her dad had been seated next to another source of mischief, referencing former President Barack Obama. A clip of the 44th President was then shown, highlighting their interactions. Jenna remarked on how their dynamic creates an unexpected and amusing friendship when they are together.
The warmth between the two former presidents was recently on display at Jimmy Carter’s state funeral, where Bush greeted Obama with a friendly tap on the belly, a gesture that quickly circulated online. Michelle Obama’s absence at the funeral was noted, as she and Bush have developed what many consider an unexpected friendship.
The Obama/Bush relationship began during the 2009 transition of power, marked by unprecedented cooperation. The Bush administration provided the incoming Obama team with 40 declassified memos from the National Security Council, offering detailed insights into major foreign policy and national security challenges. These memos covered critical issues including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tensions with North Korea and Iran, and Russia’s ambitions in Ukraine.
The bond between the Bush and Obama families has particularly manifested in the friendship between George W. Bush and Michelle Obama. Bush has publicly addressed the surprise many Americans express about their relationship, stating it reflects the problem of political polarization that people can’t imagine a Republican and Democrat being friends. Michelle Obama has affectionately referred to Bush as her “partner in crime” at formal events, while Bush has repeatedly praised her sense of humor.
Their public interactions have produced several memorable moments that garnered significant media attention. Notable instances include Bush passing Michelle Obama a cough drop during Senator John McCain’s funeral in 2018, a gesture repeated at the funeral for Bush’s father, former President George H.W. Bush, later that same year. They also shared a warm embrace at the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.