Biden, Trump, and Other Leaders Honor Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
Political allies and adversaries paid their respects to the 39th president after he passed away in Georgia on Sunday.
Following the death of President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29, President Joe Biden and numerous others in the political arena expressed their admiration for the former president.
Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday in October, was the longest-living president in U.S. history, though he was already under hospice care at the time. He was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015, and the cancer had spread to his liver and brain, yet he remarkably outlived his prognosis.
The Carter family announced in a statement that the former Georgia governor and Navy veteran “died peacefully … surrounded by his family.”
Lawmakers and officials across the nation quickly reacted to the news.
“For over sixty years, we had the privilege of calling Jimmy Carter a cherished friend,” wrote the Bidens. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he dedicated his life to eradicating disease, fostering peace, advancing civil and human rights, promoting fair elections, creating housing for the homeless, and advocating for the most vulnerable among us. He transformed the lives of countless individuals around the world.”
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“He was a person of immense character, courage, hope, and optimism,” remarked the First Couple, announcing that Biden had called for a state funeral for Carter.
“The challenges Jimmy faced during his presidency arose at a crucial time for our country, and he did everything possible to better the lives of all Americans. For that, we owe him our gratitude.”
Trump and his wife, Melania, expressed they were “thinking warmly” of Carter’s family and encouraged others to keep the Carters “in their hearts and prayers.”
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) shared her thoughts as well.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also praised the former president.
“Thanks to his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords and his dedication to Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have roofs over their heads,” Johnson continued. “No one can dispute that President Carter lived an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.”
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) labeled Carter as “a committed public servant and a man of faith.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) highlighted that Carter “exemplified the true essence of leadership through service, compassion, and integrity.”
As the former governor of Georgia and the former president, Carter will be honored with public observances in both Washington, D.C. and Georgia, as stated by the Carter Center.
This will likely include a state funeral in Washington, where a procession may take Carter’s body down Pennsylvania Avenue before he is laid in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Traditionally, former presidents’ funerals have taken place at the National Cathedral in the capital.
Biden previously indicated that Carter had requested him to deliver his eulogy when the time arrived.
According to the Carter Center, Carter’s final resting place will be in Plains, Georgia.
