Trump calls Obama's 'two‑year women‑leadership' idea absurd

On Sunday, September 27, President Donald Trump took to a Washington, D.C. press conference to dismiss former President Barack Obama’s assertion that governments worldwide would function better if women were in charge. The clip of the exchange was later shared on APT News’ YouTube channel.

During the briefing, a reporter asked Trump to respond to Obama’s remarks made earlier that week. “Barack Obama just said if you put women in charge of every government for two years, things would be better. Do you buy that?” the journalist read from a video posted by APT News.

Trump replied with a sharp “I love women, I think they’re great, but what a ridiculous statement that is, right?” and continued to criticize the former president’s view.

Obama’s comments came on Monday, September 21, in an interview with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at Salem State University. He said, “If you put women in charge of every government for two years, things would be better,” adding that while the outcome wouldn’t be perfect, it would be an improvement.

The statement earned rapturous applause from the sold‑out audience.

## Background on Obama’s Comment

Obama, who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, stated his belief that a two‑year period of women leadership would yield positive results.

He emphasized confidence in this idea with the words, “I’m confident about that.” The remarks were made during a public lecture aimed at encouraging broader participation of women in leadership roles.

The audience’s enthusiastic response underscored the impact of his message, though the remarks sparked immediate counter‑reactions from political figures across the spectrum.

## Trump’s Reaction and the Context of Their Rivalry

Trump’s vocal disagreement is part of a long history of tension between the two leaders. In February, Trump had shared an AI‑generated image that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as primates, a post that was later removed after backlash.

Following its removal, Trump told the press, “I didn’t make a mistake,” and said he did not feel the need to apologize. The incident added fuel to a rivalry that has persisted since Trump assumed office in January 2017.

During a June 24 episode of the “All the Smoke” podcast, Obama remarked that Trump harbors an “obsession” with him. “You gotta ask him what it is … the obsession,” Obama said.

“I obviously have a room in his head,” he added, describing a metaphorical “suite in his head.” The comment highlighted the lingering personal animosity that continues to surface in public statements from both sides.

Amid these exchanges, First Lady Melania Trump offered a supportive comment.

On the Wednesday, September 23, episode of Fox & Friends, she said her husband was “doing the best that he can.” She described his focus and workload, noting that he works nonstop from morning until evening and has “the most energy than anybody.” Her remarks underscored a domestic front that contrasts with the political sparring.

## What Comes Next

The remarks from Trump and Obama have been widely circulated, with the clip posted on APT News’ YouTube channel drawing attention from viewers across the political spectrum. The comments have already prompted commentary from political analysts and media outlets.

While both leaders have not issued additional statements directly addressing each other's remarks, the exchange is likely to influence future discussions on gender and leadership in government. Observers note that the conversation reflects broader partisan divides on these issues.