U.S. leaders from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter just minutes after the Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president of the United States had died Sunday.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a statement calling Carter “a dear friend,” saying “the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” the Bidens said. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”
President-elect Donald Trump said in a post to Truth Social that Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Trump criticized Carter just this month, however, for his policies toward the Panama Canal. The president-elect also took jabs at Carter while on the 2024 campaign trail.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a joint statement reminiscing on their relationship with Carter, noting they were “proud, early supporters” of his campaign for president.
“I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.
Former President George W. Bush released a statement calling Carter “a man of deeply held convictions.”
“He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country,” Bush added. “President Carter dignified the office.”
The top Democrats and Republicans in Congress also released statements honoring Carter’s life and impact.
“President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”
Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that “Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.”
“After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible,” McConnell said.
Members of House leadership from both parties honored Carter’s life and service in posts to X. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement that “no one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country,” while his deputy, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., praised Carter’s “lifetime of service.”
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called the late president “a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian.”
Other politicians also quickly began honoring the former president in social media posts.
“Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us — a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home,” said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement.
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said in a post on X that Carter “gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant.”
“I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others,” he added.
The condolences continued to roll in from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also honoring Carter, a Democrat.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said that Carter “devoted his entire life to serving others.”
“Please join Ann & me in praying for the Carter family, their friends & all who worked alongside the former president,” he said.
Carter was widely recognized for his work on human rights and social justice following his presidency. He established the Carter Center, a nonprofit that was founded “on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering,” according to the group’s website.
Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, to help build homes for people in need.
“Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in a post on X. “From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith.”Several politicians also pointed to Carter’s faith when reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, up until the pandemic.
“We were bit by different political bug but hv much in common incl love of the Lord,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, in a typical shorthand post to X.
Carter, a Georgia native, had been receiving hospice care in his hometown of Plains. He was born in the same town 100 years ago, in 1924.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said that Carter “showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said in a statement that “the State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.”
“I join all Georgians and all Americans in mourning his loss,” Ossoff added. “May Jimmy Carter’s memory be a blessing.”
