A friendly exchange between the two was reshared by Trump late Sunday, complete with fake subtitles. What that reveals about the current state of MAGA politics is telling, writes Holly Baxter. By this time, you’ll have already seen the video. In it, Donald Trump and Barack Obama cozy up together at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, sharing a private joke or two before proceedings get underway. They lean in toward each other as soon as Obama takes his seat; Trump says something that makes Obama laugh. From a distance, they look like friends.
![[There’s a long history of bipartisan presidential friendship — George W Bush and Barack Obama included]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/09/02/05/Presidential_Portraits_35070.jpg)
What those subtitles say is particularly interesting. Because this is not a version of the video that makes Obama look foolish. Instead, it’s one that positions Obama as his potential golfing buddy, united with him against Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. In it, Parody Obama congratulates Trump and says, “Knew you’d win,” before criticizing Biden and Harris (“I was just as appalled… She was horrendous,” he says to Parody Trump, about Harris.) They then talk about meeting up together privately (“We should meet to discuss things,” says Parody Trump. “I think so too,” replies Parody Obama) to continue some mysterious, meaningful conversations on the privacy of the golf course.
![[At a Trump inauguration rehearsal, the stand-in for Trump positions himself behind the podium. Trump will be inaugurated for the second time on January 20]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/13/02/APTOPIX_Trump_Inauguration_Rehearsal_79143.jpg)
The reactions from both sides of the political spectrum have been surprisingly similar. This is Trump “trolling” Democrats, they say. He’s crowing about his victory and he’s playing to his base. He’s winding people up. He’s pouring gasoline.
