Obama’s Enjoy European Getaway with Familiar Faces

For eight years, Barack Obama held one of the most powerful political roles in the world. Since this came to an end in 2017, how has he been spending his time? During the two years, he’s been pictured on the golf course, in the Virgin Islands, kitesurfing in the Caribbean, and writing a book. However, he’s also been working with Prince Harry and giving lots of talks and speeches (including one to students at the University of Chicago). 

This summer, it seems some European locations needed to be ticked off the bucket list. Over the weekend, the big news was the collision of Washington and Hollywood as the Obamas met up with George and Amal Clooney. 

Obamas and Clooneys in Italy 

According to sources, the Obamas arrived in Italy on Saturday and were greeted at George’s own villa. During the course of the evening, a number of Italian chefs prepared classic Italian dishes for the foursome. 

The next day, they stayed together to enjoy lunch in the garden, time by the poolside, and a meal at one of George’s preferred establishments, Villa D’Este. It has been suggested in the past that the Clooneys and Obamas get on extremely well. While George and Barack are able to sit and talk about anything, Michelle and Amal also enjoy each other’s company. 

Of course, this isn’t the first time the two families have spent time together. In 2012, George was openly supportive of Obama’s reelection campaign and even held a fundraiser at his home in Los Angeles. 

Six years later, Clooney was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award and received a recorded message from Barack; it said how he was a ‘good man…and an outstanding maker of film’. 

A Tale of Two Presidents

For those who have been keeping tabs on the trip, the Obamas have spent time in various European countries and with some large names from showbiz. Along with their two daughters, Barack and Michelle have met up with Bono, U2 frontman, and even Prince Albert II of Monaco. In the coming days, we’re sure to see the Obamas pop up in even more European cities. 

Meanwhile, the current president, Donald Trump, has had a very different couple of weeks in office. Within the past couple of days alone, Trump sent a warning to Iran and said they will experience ‘obliteration like you’ve never seen before’ after calling off military strikes. 

Elsewhere, he continues to push for mass deportations amid the border crisis, he is under pressure from farmers (and the wider rural economy) after his trade wars have pushed them towards financial hardship, and he has released an economic plan for Mideast peace which has been met with rejection. 

In terms of deportations, plans were leaked last week of the start of an operation on Sunday. However, the mass raids were cancelled according to Trump ‘at the request of Democrats. He later said that deportations will start if Congress cannot strike a deal.