What Has Donald Trump Said About Jimmy Carter? Former President Was 100

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President-elect Donald Trump paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter following his death Sunday at age 100 but has not always spoken of Carter so favorably. Even on the campaign trail this year, Trump said Carter was not a great president during his one term from 1977 to 1981 and often compared him to President Joe Biden. Why It Matters The death of a former president is often met with tributes, regardless of their party affiliation. While Trump’s statement Sunday offered sincere condolences, it came in contrast to his previous comments. Despite Carter being a Democrat, former Republican President George W. Bush praised the late president’s “efforts to leave behind a better world.” Carter’s Democratic successors—Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Biden—all spoke favorably of the former president. Left: Former President Jimmy Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Right: President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point’s… Left: Former President Jimmy Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Right: President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point’s annual AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix on December 22, 2024. Trump paid tribute to Carter following his death Sunday but has not always spoken of Carter so favorably. JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images Trump on Carter Trump has referenced the 39th president on multiple occasions, including on the latter’s 100th birthday in October at a rally in Waunakee, Wisconsin. After calling Biden the worst U.S. president in history, he said that “Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison.” Following the news of Carter’s death on Sunday, Trump gave a different message, saying the country owed him a “debt of gratitude.” “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” Trump wrote. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.” Did Trump Mock Carter? With Carter as the oldest-living former president, he was referenced multiple times by Trump. While he did not necessarily mock the aging Democrat directly, he used him to make jibes at Biden. In January 2024, Trump made a similar comment on the one in October, when talking about wife Melania Trump’s attendance at the funeral for Carter’s late wife, Rosalynn. “I always say Jimmy Carter’s the happiest man alive right now and it’s good ’cause he’s somewhat elderly, right? So what? My wife went to the funeral of Rosalynn two months ago,” Trump said on January 14. “It was a beautiful funeral, but Jimmy Carter’s a happy man right now because people are considering, compared to Biden, his presidency to be a brilliant…” President Donald J. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter at the state… President Donald J. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter at the state funeral service of former President George W. Bush at the National Cathedral on December 5, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Chris Kleponis-Pool/Getty Images Where Did Carter Die? Carter died on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family while in hospice care. He is survived by sons John William, James Earl and Donnel Jeffrey, daughter Amy, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died at age 96 in November 2023. Where Will Carter’s Funeral Be Held? Biden scheduled a state funeral in Washington, D.C., for Carter on January 9, 2025. Biden also declared January 9 as a National Day of Mourning, although it will not be a federal holiday. Will Flags Be at Half-Staff for Trump’s Inauguration? The dome of the U.S. Capitol Building is visible as flags are lowered to half-staff at the Washington Monument following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on December 30, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Carter,… The dome of the U.S. Capitol Building is visible as flags are lowered to half-staff at the Washington Monument following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on December 30, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Carter, who died at age 100 surrounded by family in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, was known as much for his long post-presidency and continued life of service as for his one term in office. He earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Yes. Biden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days beginning Sunday, so they will still be flying that way when Trump is inaugurated on January 20. What’s Next More details on the public observances, including the state funeral, will be made in the coming days. It is likely that former presidents, including Trump, will be included in the event.