What were Barack Obama and George W. Bush talking about at Donald Trump’s inauguration? Lip reader reveals

  • A viral video shows former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush sharing a candid moment during President Donald Trump’s inauguration. A lip reader interprets Obama asking, “How can we stop what’s happening?” as Bush laughs in response.

Livemint
Updated22 Jan 2025, 09:28 PM IST
(From left) Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush and former US President Barack Obama during US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. SHAWN THEW/Pool via REUTERS
(From left) Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush and former US President Barack Obama during US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. SHAWN THEW/Pool via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

A now-viral video has sparked widespread curiosity about what former US presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were discussing during President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20. According to a lip reader, Obama turned to Bush during the event and asked, “How can we stop what’s happening?”

Jackie Gonzalez, a deaf woman known for sharing her interpretations of public figures' conversations on social media, released a video showing the candid exchange between the two former presidents.

In the footage, Obama greets Bush with, “Good to see you”. Gonzalez, who has gained attention for her lip-reading skills, then interprets Obama’s remark as, “How can we stop what’s happening?”

 

Following Obama’s comment, Bush is seen with a sly grin, laughing as the two former presidents share a brief moment of amusement.

Not always accurate 

Gonzalez, who posted the video on her social media accounts, was quick to clarify that lip reading is not always entirely accurate. She reportedly included a disclaimer on her pages noting, “Lip reading is not a reliable form of communication, and all statements are alleged.”

Despite the ambiguity of the exchange, the video has become a viral sensation, with many viewers fascinated by the playful yet mysterious interaction between the 43rd and 44th US presidents.

As the debate over the conversation continues, one thing is clear: Obama and Bush’s private moment at Trump’s inauguration has left the public intrigued and looking for answers.

Barack Obama attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump, but his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, was notably absent from the event. The reason for Michelle Obama's absence was not provided, and she also missed the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter held last week, making her the only living former first lady to do so.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Monday, was also attended by former President Bill Clinton. However, none of the former presidents attended the traditional inaugural lunch hosted by Trump, marking a break from customary practices.

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First Published:22 Jan 2025, 06:38 PM IST
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