Former President Barack Obama recently said he believes Donald Trump’s behavior is noticeably different during private, face-to-face meetings than it is during public speeches and political events.

Obama shared his thoughts while appearing on an episode of the All the Smoke podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.

Obama Says Trump’s Public and Private Tone Don’t Match

During the discussion, the hosts brought up Trump’s frequent criticism of Obama, noting that the former president is regularly mentioned during Trump’s rallies, interviews, and public appearances.

Obama responded by saying he has long viewed Trump’s repeated references to him as a reflection of Trump’s own focus rather than a personal political dispute. He suggested that Trump’s public rhetoric changes significantly whenever they meet in person.

According to Obama, the confrontational language often heard in speeches disappears during their face-to-face encounters.

He explained that on the occasions they’ve met directly, Trump has not spoken to him in the same manner seen in public settings.

The Influence of Social Media

Obama also discussed how modern technology has changed the way people communicate.

He argued that social media and digital platforms make it easier for individuals to use harsher language because they are separated from the people they’re addressing. In his view, conversations held behind screens often lack the accountability that naturally comes with speaking to someone face to face.

As a result, people may express themselves far more aggressively online than they would during an in-person conversation.

Comments Come After Recent Criticism

Obama’s remarks followed another round of public criticism from Trump during the recent G7 Summit, where Trump again took aim at Obama’s administration while discussing the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated during Obama’s presidency.

Although Obama did not respond directly to those specific comments during the podcast, his observations appeared to address what he described as a broader pattern of public attacks.

A Political Rivalry That Continues

The relationship between Barack Obama and Donald Trump has remained one of the most closely watched political rivalries in recent U.S. history.

Throughout his political career, Trump has frequently criticized Obama’s policies and leadership, while Obama has generally responded less often, choosing only occasionally to address Trump’s remarks publicly.

During this latest interview, however, Obama offered one of his clearest assessments, suggesting that the version of Trump seen during public appearances differs considerably from the one he has encountered in private meetings.

As both figures remain influential voices in American politics, Obama’s latest comments are likely to generate continued discussion about the long-running relationship between the two former presidents.