In the latest episode of the “Smartless” podcast, former President Barack Obama shared his thoughts on former President Donald Trump, indicating that in Trump’s hometown of New York, he is “not considered a serious guy.” The podcast, hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, released the episode featuring Obama alongside current President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton on Monday. The show was recorded in March.
President Obama on @SmartLess with Presidents Biden and Clinton: You watch Trump's campaign, you watch his career, he's never changed. No one in New York will do business with Trump or lend him money. He is not considered a serious guy. I was surprised he was elected, but I… pic.twitter.com/ywL36hr0YA
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) April 29, 2024
When Bateman asked Obama if he was surprised by the dilution of “protection and passion for democracy” during Trump’s administration, Obama admitted to being taken aback by the lack of guardrails within the Republican Party, which allowed Trump to take control. However, Obama’s perception of Trump himself was less surprising. “Trump didn’t surprise me,” he said, noting that Trump has remained consistent throughout his career. Obama remarked, “You watch Trump’s campaign, you watch his career, he’s never changed.”
Obama’s comments reflected a broader perspective on Trump’s image in his home city. “He comes from New York. There’s nobody in New York who does business with him or will lend him money. He is not considered a serious guy here,” Obama stated. This view aligns with Trump’s reputation among business circles and is further evidenced by his legal troubles in the state. In 2019, Trump changed his official residence from New York to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, amid mounting legal issues.
In February 2024, Trump was ordered by Judge Arthur Engoron to pay $355 million in penalties following a civil fraud trial in New York, where he was found guilty of overvaluing his company’s assets to secure loans and other business deals. Additionally, Trump is currently attending a trial in New York related to hush money payments.
