President-elect Donald Trump delivered an unexpectedly heartfelt homage to former President Jimmy Carter following his death on Sunday at the age of 100—only two months after deriding his predecessor during a campaign event in Wisconsin.
On his platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed: “I just learned of President Jimmy Carter’s passing. Those who have been privileged to serve as President know this is a very exclusive circle, uniquely understanding the immense duty of guiding the Greatest Nation in History.”
“The obstacles Jimmy confronted during his presidency emerged at a critical juncture for our nation, and he exerted all his efforts to enhance the well-being of all Americans. For that, we owe him a significant debt of thanks,” he elaborated.
“Melania and I are holding the Carter family and their loved ones in our thoughts during this challenging period. We encourage everyone to include them in their hearts and prayers.”
In a follow-up message, he stated: “President Jimmy Carter has passed at the age of 100. Although I had strong philosophical and political disagreements with him, I recognized his genuine love and respect for our nation and its values.”
“He dedicated himself to making America a better place, and I commend him for that,” Trump remarked. “He was a truly good individual and will undoubtedly be deeply missed. Furthermore, he had a significant influence, much more than most presidents, even after leaving the Oval Office. Our heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family from Melania and me!”
Chip, Carter’s son, confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his father died at his residence in Plains, Georgia at 3:45 p.m. after entering hospice care in February 2023.
President Joe Biden also honored Carter on Sunday, sharing an old photo of the two on X.
“For over sixty years, Jill and I have had the privilege of considering Jimmy Carter a dear friend,” Biden stated. “Nevertheless, what’s remarkable about Jimmy Carter is that millions of people across America and the world, who never met him, regarded him as a close friend as well.”
The president elaborated, describing Carter as a “man of incredible character and courage, hope and optimism,” and extended his sympathies to Carter’s family.
In contrast to Biden, Trump’s views on Carter have been notoriously inconsistent, with the president-elect having ridiculed him just two months ago on his 100th birthday while campaigning in Waunakee, Wisconsin.
During that occasion, Trump labeled Biden the “worst” president in U.S. history and remarked that “Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because he is perceived as a brilliant president in comparison.”
In 2019, Trump also responded to Carter after the former president stated that Russian interference was responsible for Trump’s win in the 2016 election during an event at the Carter Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
“There’s no question that the Russians interfered in the election,” Carter declared. “And I believe that, if fully investigated, it would demonstrate that Trump didn’t actually win the 2016 election. He lost it, and was placed in office thanks to Russian interference supporting him.”
Trump retorted, calling Carter a “nice man” yet labeling him a “terrible president.”
“He’s been marginalized within his own party,” Trump stated at a June 2019 press conference following the G-20 summit in Japan. “He’s been marginalized,” he continued, refuting Carter’s claims and identifying him as the “forgotten president,” according to Politico.
Carter continued to voice his criticisms of Trump during the latter’s first re-election campaign, asserting that a second term for Trump would spell “disaster.”
“I believe it would be a catastrophe to have four additional years of Trump,” Carter commented during a town hall meeting at the Carter Center in Atlanta on September 17, 2019. “You know, if I were merely 80 years old, or 15 years younger, I doubt I could manage the responsibilities I undertook as President,” he expressed, sharing concerns about Trump’s age.
Despite their public disputes, the two had moments of civility, including a significant phone call in April 2019. Trump contacted the late president to discuss U.S.-China relations after receiving a letter from Carter offering his counsel.
“President Jimmy Carter wrote President Trump a wonderful letter regarding the ongoing negotiations with China,” a White House statement confirmed at that time. “They engaged in a very constructive conversation about President Trump’s trade position with China and various other issues.”
Melania Trump was also present at the tribute for Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, in Georgia following her death in 2023, accompanied by other former first ladies including Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton.
Before his passing on Sunday, Carter had unmistakably expressed his support for Trump’s 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, repeatedly affirming his intent to vote for her during her campaign.
“He’s very engaged,” Chip shared with The Associated Press in October. “I asked him two months ago if he was aiming to reach 100, and he replied, ‘No, I’m hoping to live to vote for Kamala Harris.’”
Due to Carter’s death, American flags will notably be flown at half-staff during Trump’s inauguration later this month, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mandates that this practice be observed for 30 days following the death of a president or former president.
