These funny presidential facts will make you smile
Who said politics should be all serious? There are a lot of strange but accurate facts about US presidents, both past and present. Many are just plain strange and sound like they’re made up, some are sad, and some are hilarious.
Additionally, many of the presidential facts we learned in school are false or exaggerated. (No, George Washington most likely did not cut down that cherry tree, and his teeth were not composed of wood.)
That being said, many amusing facts about American commanders-in-chief are worth learning. From the founding fathers to more recent presidents, we’ve compiled some pretty amazing facts about them.
These funny presidential facts are guaranteed to make you laugh in a world where presidential politics are frequently far too serious.
The White House got its name after Theodore Roosevelt came along
The structure now known as the White House received its first coat of whitewash in 1798 to preserve the sandstone during Washington, DC’s severe winters. But even after this paint job, the majority of people, including journalists, still called the building the “Executive Mansion” or the “President’s House.” The term “White House” was not used until the time of President Teddy Roosevelt.
President Roosevelt directed Secretary of State John Hay in a 1901 memo to substitute “White House” for “Executive Mansion” on all official documents. All cabinet secretaries received this memo as well, and the new name was also printed on the president’s stationery. It became the White House in an instant.
Nixon asked for the hand of his wife on the same day they met
What a time to be alive! I mean, what other man would do that in 2025? Probably nobody, because there was only one Nixon. Among the funny presidential facts that I found it worth it to put on the list is the fact that Nixon asked for the hand of his wife on the same day they met.
Despite the Watergate scandal and his resignation being his most renowned moments, Richard Nixon’s legacy extends far beyond these events. He was born in California and worked for Dwight D. Eisenhower as a congressman, US senator, and vice president.
Nixon was a member of a southern California theater group and practiced law before entering politics. He met Pat Ryan, his future first lady, at the theater. The two were trying out for parts in a play called The Dark Tower one evening in 1938. They both won roles in the play and each other’s affections.
Later that evening, Nixon asked Ryan to marry him. But she didn’t realize he was the one until two more years and several boyfriends later. They enjoyed 53 years together after getting married in 1940. It wasn’t a rushed decision after all!
Gerald Ford had a modeling career
When it comes to funny presidential facts that not many people know about, it’s worth mentioning Gerald Ford and his modeling career back in the day. Considered by far one of the most handsome American presidents, Ford was posing for the camera after being on the football team of the University of Michigan.
His time in the modeling industry began when Ford was featured in a 1940 issue of Look magazine, thanks to his then-model girlfriend. Despite his lackluster career, he was featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan in April 1942 without being given credit.
To his list of accomplishments as a lawyer, football coach, congressman, naval officer, vice president, and president, you can add that. Now I am curious, what is your opinion about Gerald Ford?
Ulysses S. Grant: Busted for Horsepower
Yeah, because traffic back then was rough as well! This is by far one of the best funny presidential facts that made me laugh pretty hard. If you’ve ever been given a speeding ticket and it got you frustrated, it may be reassuring to know you’re not alone, and you can imagine high-fiving Grant for being in the same boat with you.
After leading the Union to victory in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant became the youngest president in US history. Grant’s accomplishments were not limited to those, though, as he was the first and only president to be given a speeding ticket while serving as commander-in-chief.
Grant was “pulled over” and given a citation for operating his horse-drawn carriage at dangerous speeds at some point in the early years of his presidency. Officer William West advised him to disregard the infraction after identifying the speeding driver. But Grant was insistent that he pay the $5 fine.
John Quincy Adams was interviewed by a woman who stole his clothes
Now that’s a headliner! What’s so interesting about this story that involves the sixth American President? Let’s see. It all started with Anne Newport Royall, who was a relatively impoverished widow and writer who attempted a career in journalism during the younger Adams’ presidency. She respectfully requested an interview with the president’s office when she got to Washington, DC, but was flatly denied. It was obvious that a woman would not be able to interview with Adams conventionally.
Anne found out that John Quincy Adams enjoyed swimming naked in the Potomac River by asking around town. To prevent the man from dressing himself until he agreed to an interview, she once discovered his clothes on the beach and sat on them.
In addition to giving her the interview, the sixth president of the United States was impressed with Royall and wrote to Congress to support her in getting her late husband’s pension.
You’ve come this far in your reading, and you believe you have a good grasp of funny presidential facts? Then why hesitate and not show your friends your knowledge at a fun night of trivia games? The Great Book of Crazy President Trivia: Interesting Stories of American Presidents (American History & Trivia) is a wonderful book to have in your collection.
It’s excellent for learning new things about American presidents, and my favorite part is that each chapter concludes with a set of trivia questions and answers that will help you gain a deeper understanding of the men who have led the United States of America.
Andrew Jackson had a parrot that used to swear
Most of the American presidents had pets that lived with them in the White House. There were, of course, the Clintons’ cherished Socks the cat and later Buddy the dog; the Bushes each owned English springer spaniels; Herbert Hoover owned a pet opossum; William Henry Harrison owned a pet goat; and Teddy Roosevelt’s family kept various, including a badger, snakes, and a pony.
It would have been impossible not to see a parrot, too, right? Andrew Jackson had an African grey parrot that was called Poll, which was a cute gift from Jackson’s deceased wife.
As a war hero who continued to engage in duels and use his walking stick to defeat a potential assassin, it is likely not surprising that Jackson used language that was reserved for adults. During Jackson’s funeral, Poll reportedly noticed the profanity and let it fly. The poor bird was eventually kicked out of the service entirely because it was so noisy and persistent in its swearing.
Do you know any other funny presidential facts that I somehow forgot to include in the list? You are welcome to talk about them right in the comments section below. Until next time!