In an unusual show of solidarity in today’s polarized America, all five living former U.S. presidents came together on Thursday to pay tribute to Jimmy Carter during a dignified state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington.
Just 11 days before Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a potentially turbulent second term, historic scenes unfolded as Trump and former President Barack Obama shook hands on this national day of mourning.
Near Carter’s flag-draped coffin, outgoing President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, paid their respects to America’s 39th commander-in-chief, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
Biden, 82, delivered a eulogy for Carter, his fellow Democrat and old friend, praising his character and visionary leadership. He subtly criticized Trump’s controversial politics, which he had previously condemned as a severe threat to democracy. “We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbour and to stand up to… the greatest sin of all, the abuse of power,” Biden stated as he prepared to hand over the presidency to Trump on January 20.
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton join President Biden and Vice President Harris at the funeral of President Jimmy Carter.
Former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence pictured as well.
Cropping is everything. 😇 pic.twitter.com/L1NWpKBHu8
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) January 9, 2025Despite perceptions of naivety and weakness during his presidency from 1977 to 1981, a more nuanced view of Carter has emerged, highlighting his decency and foreign policy successes.
Family members and former political adversaries paid emotional tributes, praising Carter’s leadership and deep connection to nature in his native Georgia. One of his grandsons Joshua Carter said, “He led this nation with love and respect. “
Former President Jimmy Carter was "the first millennial," his grandson Jason Carter joked in a eulogy, citing Carter's music taste and progressive accomplishments.
He added that in all the time he knew his grandfather, "I never perceived a difference between his public face and… pic.twitter.com/ONM8b1tWLu
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 9, 2025The service also included posthumous tributes from Gerald Ford, Carter’s Republican predecessor, and Walter Mondale, Carter’s vice president. Ford’s son Steven read his father’s eulogy, while Mondale’s son Ted delivered his tribute.
Read: Former President Jimmy Carter Passes Away at 100
Carter’s coffin, which had been lying in state at the US Capitol, was transported to the cathedral by an honour guard in ceremonial uniforms.
LOTS OF MATERIAL SO FAR AT JIMMY CARTER'S FUNERAL:
– Trump shakes hands with Mike Pence.
– Obama does not shake Trump or Melania's hand – but shakes everyone else's hands.
– Bush walks right past the Trump's, then slaps Obama in the stomach and shakes hands with everyone else.
-… pic.twitter.com/Nx5vZ77Hqb
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 9, 2025On Thursday, the United States observed a national day of mourning. Federal offices were closed, and thousands paid their respects at the Capitol.
Carter’s six-day farewell began on Saturday, marked by US flags at half-staff nationwide and a procession from his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The funeral underscored moments of unity and reconciliation among political figures, including an interaction between Obama and Trump and a brief meeting between Trump and his former Vice President Mike Pence.
Donald Trump sitting next to Barack Obama at Jimmy Carter's funeral…
It's one big club… pic.twitter.com/UKEyrRdSPa
— Truth Seeker (@_TruthZone_) January 9, 2025Carter’s presidency, marked by the 1979-1981 Iran hostage crisis, led to a reevaluation of his term, particularly his role in brokering peace between Israel and Egypt. His post-presidential humanitarian work earned him widespread acclaim and a Nobel Peace Prize 2002.
Carter, who had been in hospice care since February 2023, passed away in Plains and will be buried next to his late wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023.
