Jimmy Carter’s Funeral Brings Together US Presidents and Kamala Harris Meets Donald Trump | US News
All five of the United States’ current presidents gathered today for the funeral of Jimmy Carter, where the seating arrangement required several political rivals to sit in close proximity at the front of the cathedral.
Each president, except for Barack Obama, was joined by his spouse, with the two front rows rounded out by Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
The last occasion on which both former and current presidents appeared together publicly was in 2018.
All eyes were on the cathedral pews as they arrived, and while some exchanged warm greetings and shared laughs, that sentiment did not extend to everyone present.
Here’s an overview of who sat in the front rows, including details on who interacted and who kept their distance…
1 – Joe Biden
President Joe Biden gave a eulogy at Mr. Carter’s service, marking one of his final public engagements before stepping down from office.
“To the youth and to anyone seeking meaning, take inspiration from Jimmy Carter’s legacy,” stated Mr. Biden, referring to Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981. “He embodied character, faith, and love—a true patriot.”
As the current president, Mr. Biden occupied a front-row seat, likely creating a beneficial gap between himself and Mr. Trump.
Mr. Biden, alongside his wife Jill, reflects during the service. Pic: Reuters
2 – Jill Biden
First Lady Jill Biden positioned herself between her husband and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Bidens were the last dignitaries to arrive, entering hand-in-hand. The president’s recently pardoned son, Hunter, was also present, though he did not sit near his father.
3 – Kamala Harris
The VP was seated nearby her Republican adversary, opting not to acknowledge him.
Mr. Carter’s funeral marked the first instance of Vice President Kamala Harris being in the same space as Donald Trump since her defeat to him in the November election.
Ms. Harris and her spouse did not acknowledge the president-elect upon arrival, maintaining a solemn expression focused straight ahead.
4 – Doug Emhoff
As the first and only second gentleman, Doug Emhoff accompanied Ms. Harris into the cathedral. The seating arrangements placed him directly between his wife and Mr. Trump, who was a row behind.
5 – Donald Trump
Mr. Trump was seen conversing with his predecessor.
Mr. Trump attended the funeral in his role as a past president, albeit he is poised to make a notable return to the Oval Office on January 20.
The gathering brought Mr. Trump face-to-face with his Democratic adversaries and enabled a reunion with Mike Pence, his former vice president, who declined to endorse him last year.
The two exchanged brief handshakes before taking their seats.
While other mourners settled in, Mr. Trump engaged in conversation with Barack Obama, who was seated on his right. Mr. Obama appeared engaged, nodding along before a smile broke through.
6 – Melania Trump
Melania Trump returned to the public eye due to her husband’s upcoming presidential term but attended today’s service in her capacity as a former first lady.
She joined her husband in greeting Mr. Pence before adopting a focused demeanor forward as they awaited the start of the service.
7 – Barack Obama
Obama was the sole former president in attendance without his spouse. Pic: Reuters
Barack Obama was the only former president attending alone, as Michelle Obama was unable to join due to a scheduling conflict, remaining in Hawaii for an extended vacation, according to CNN.
After his conversation with Mr. Trump, Mr. Obama was also seen speaking with Mr. Pence.
8 and 9 – George W Bush and Laura Bush
George Bush engages in conversation with Dan Quayle, his former VP. Pic: AP
The past presidents and first ladies arrived in reverse chronological order, which led George W. Bush and Laura Bush to navigate past the Trumps, the most recent occupants of the White House, and Mr. Obama as they took their seats.
While Mr. Obama acknowledged their presence by standing to greet them as they passed, the Trumps remained seated, with Melania focused on reading the service program instead.
Once settled, Mr. and Mrs. Bush greeted attendees in the third row, including former VPs Mike Pence, Dan Quayle, and Al Gore.
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10 and 11 – Bill and Hillary Clinton
Whether intentional or not, the Clintons avoided engaging with the Trumps. Pic: Reuters
Bill Clinton was the final former president to arrive, walking in with his wife Hillary, who was defeated by Mr. Trump in the 2016 election.
The Clintons sidestepped the Trumps entirely by taking a circuitous route around the pews to reach their aisle seats, where they were greeted by Mr. Bush, Mr. Pence, and Mr. Gore, all of whom stood to acknowledge their arrival.
12 – Mike Pence
Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence exchanged greetings
Mr. Pence’s significant reunion with former boss Mr. Trump marked their first public appearance together since departing the White House in 2021.
Mr. Pence served as VP throughout Mr. Trump’s first presidency, but their relationship deteriorated in 2020 when Mr. Pence declined to support the notion that Republicans had secured victory in the recent election.
Subsequently, Mr. Pence abstained from backing Mr. Trump during last year’s presidential campaign.
Mr. Pence attended the service with his wife, Karen, who did not stand to greet the Trumps.
