Political figures expressed their condolences and warm wishes to the family of former President Carter, who passed away on Sunday afternoon. They praised Mr. Carter for his decades of accomplishments and service to the country.
Carter, who turned 100 earlier this year, passed away peacefully in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a statementmourned Carter's death and highlighted his life's accomplishments as an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”
“For more than 60 years, we were honored to call Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But what was so extraordinary about Jimmy Carter was that he was loved by people all over America and around the world who had never met him. Millions of people also considered him a dear friend,” the Bidens' statement said.
The Bidens said they will miss both Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, but take comfort in knowing they are reunited. Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023.
The Bidens expressed their gratitude to the Carter family and their staff.
“To all the young people of this country, and to all those who are searching for a life of purpose and meaning, what it means to live a good life, I would like to invite you to learn from Jimmy Carter, a man of principles, faith, and humility. Please do so,” their statement said. . “He showed us that what makes us a good people is that we are a good people: civil and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.”
President Biden announced that he would direct Carter to have a state funeral in Washington, DC.
president-elect trump shared a message online He said he and his family were thinking of Carter's family.
“We just heard the news of President Jimmy Carter's passing. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have served as president understand that this is a very exclusive club, and the privilege of leading the greatest nation in history. “We are the only people who can empathize with this great responsibility,” Trump said.
The president-elect said the challenges he faced during Carter's inauguration and tenure came at a “pivotal time for our country.” President Trump said Carter did everything in his power to improve the lives of Americans.
“For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” Trump posted.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) reposted Trump's message about Carter and expressed his own thoughts. Posting on social platform X.
“Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. May he rest in peace,” Vance said.
Vice President Kamala Harris praised Carter's life, saying he encouraged “decency and compassion.”
“I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for many years,” Harris said in a statement. “I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and deep grace.”
Harris said she and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff send their love and prayers to the Carter family. She said the world is a better place because of Carter.
“His life and accomplishments continue to inspire me and will continue to inspire generations to come,” Harris said.
Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared a message online It honors Mr. Carter's career as a state senator, governor of Georgia, and the 39th president of Georgia.
“Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud supporters of his presidential campaign from the beginning,” former President Clinton said in a statement. “I remain proud to have awarded him and Rosalyn the Medal of Freedom in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House.”
The Clintons said their prayers were with Carter's family.
former president obama shared a statement online About Carter's legacy. He said many people in Plains, Ga., will go to Maranatha Baptist Church on Sunday morning to hear Carter speak in recognition of his accomplishments during his time in office and since taking office.
“I'm sure the reason so many people came to that church on Sunday morning was at least in part because of something more fundamental: President Carter's decency,” Obama said.
“The results are abhorrent,” President Obama said, emphasizing Carter's record and commitment to public service.
“Mr. Carter believed that integrity, respect, and compassion were more important than reelection,” Obama said, adding that Carter exemplified these values and made the world a better place. .
“Marantha Baptist Church gets a little quiet on Sundays, but President Carter never goes far. He is buried with Rosalynn next to a willow tree along the road, and his memory remains with me. We call on all of us to pay attention to our better angels.”
President Obama said he and former first lady Michelle Obama send their thoughts to Carter's family and everyone touched by his accomplishments.
Former President George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush extend their deepest condolences to Carter's family.
“James Earl Carter Jr. was a man of deep faith. He was loyal to his family, community and country.” A statement from the Bush family said:. “President Carter brought dignity to the office, and his efforts to leave the world a better place did not end with his presidency.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (Republican) issued a statement praising Carter's accomplishments. Mr. Carter served as Governor of the Peach State from 1971 to 1974.
“As the only American president to date from Georgia, he showed the world the impact that Georgia and its people have on this country,” Kemp said. “And as a son of the Plains, he always cherished the virtues of Georgians and our state, choosing to return to his rural hometown after serving in public office.”
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) also expressed his condolences, calling Carter a “true servant leader” who promoted what was best for America.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (New York) issued a statement We are mourning the death of “one of our most humble and dedicated public servants.”
“President Carter exemplified the true meaning of leadership through service, compassion and integrity,” Schumer said.
Mr. Schumer highlighted the decades of service that Mr. Carter and Rosalynn Carter gave to our country. He said this will leave a powerful legacy and inspire millions of people towards justice.
“As we remember President Carter's extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity,” Schumer said. “May his memory be a blessing and a lasting reminder of what it means to truly serve.”
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) said Carter was one of his heroes.
“His leadership was driven by love, and his life project was grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity,” Warnock said in a statement.
Warnock said he had a meaningful relationship with the Carters and called them his “favorite people.” The Georgia senator said Carter is a “moral force” whose long career has helped improve democracies around the world.
Fellow Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) expressed his condolences to Carter's family. Online statement. He highlighted the former president's accomplishments both in and out of office.
“From the plains, across Georgia, across the United States and around the world, millions of people will forever admire and thank President Carter for all he did for the United States and the international community,” Ossoff said. he said. “Georgia and America are a better place because of President Jimmy Carter.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) shared a message about Carter's character, dedication and the infamous peanut crop.
“Jimmy Carter's character and dedication, like his crops, came from the soil across America. At the end of each season when life led him to noble service far from home, he He decided to return to his hometown and deepen his unique experience and influence to help others, the same things that had made his own life possible: building, teaching, and volunteering. “To enrich the rich soil,” McConnell said. According to Chad Pergram of FOX News'.
Former Vice President Mike Pence (R) said Mr. Carter had served the country through his accomplishments.
“From his service in the U.S. Navy to the governor of Georgia to the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter lived out his Christian faith and values with integrity and dedication,” Pence said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said the American people and Congress were thinking of the Carter family.
“President Carter's story is one of humble beginnings, and his life is proof of the limitless opportunities in this great nation,” Johnson said in a statement. “Thanks to his brokering of the Camp David Accords and his work with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place and more Americans have a place to call home.”
Johnson said no one can deny that Carter lived an “extraordinary life” serving his country.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that with Carter's death, the world lost a leader who exemplified “dignity and decency, grace and goodness.”
“At the heart of President Carter's public service was a passionate commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within all people,” Pelosi said. “After leaving the White House, he continued to serve and led perhaps the most influential presidency in history.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy and hard work.
“Throughout his life, he served others both at home and around the world, and he loved doing it.” Prime Minister Trudeau said in a post about X: “He was always thoughtful and gave me advice.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement Regarding his death, Carter noted that he will be remembered for negotiating the Camp David Accords and for his “lifelong dedication to peace.”
“President Carter, driven by his strong beliefs and values, redefined the presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said.
Mr Starmer said his thoughts were with the Carter family as he mourned their loss.
Updated at 6:59pm ET.
