President-elect Trump President Biden responded to the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, with Trump saying, “We all owe him a debt of gratitude,” and Biden honoring his “dear friend.”
Carter, who was the 39th president of the United States and a peanut farmer whose vision of a “competent and compassionate” government propelled him to the White House, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday at the age of 100.
“I just heard the news of the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who were fortunate enough to serve as President understand that this is a very exclusive club, and we are the only ones who can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the greatest nation in history,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Jimmy's challenges as President have come at a pivotal time for our country and he has done everything he can to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
The incoming president added: “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 our thoughts and prayers.”
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has died at the age of 100
Former President Jimmy Carter discusses his cancer diagnosis during a news conference at the Carter Center on August 20, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Carter confirmed that he suffers from skin cancer that has spread to his liver and brain, and treatment will begin today. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)
Trump later wrote that although he “strongly” disagreed with Carter philosophically and politically, he recognized that the former president “truly loved and respected” the United States and all it stands for.
“He worked hard to make America a better place, and that's why I give him my highest respect,” Trump said. “He was a really good man, and of course we will miss him very much. He also mattered a lot, much more than most presidents, after he left the Oval Office.”
Also among the participants was President Biden, who said: “The world has lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”
Former President Jimmy Carter is spending “remaining time” at home receiving hospice care
US President Jimmy Carter announces new sanctions on Iran in response to the taking of American hostages, Washington, DC, USA, photo by Marion S. Tricosco, April 7, 1980. (World History Archive/World Image Collection via Getty Images)
“For six decades, we have been privileged to call Jimmy Carter Dear friend. “But what is extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that millions of people across America and the world who never met him considered him a dear friend, too,” Biden wrote. He added: “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, shelter the homeless, and always stand up for the least among us. He has saved, uplifted, and transformed the lives of people around the world.”
Biden referred to Carter as a man of great character, courage, hope and optimism.
He also said that he and his wife would plan to see Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, together, noting that the love between the two is “the definition of partnership,” while their leadership is the definition of “patriotism.”
Jimmy Carter celebrates his 98th birthday with family, friends and baseball
Former US President Jimmy Carter speaks to the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on April 28, 2019. Carter, 94, has taught Sunday school at the church on a regular basis since leaving the White House in 1981. , attracted hundreds of visitors who arrived hours before the 10:00 a.m. class in order to get a seat and take a photo with former President and former First Lady Rosalynn. Carter. (Hennessy/NoorPhoto via Getty Images)
He added: “We will miss them greatly, but we take solace in knowing that they met again and will remain in our hearts forever.” Biden said. “To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. And to their employees — from their early days to their final days — we have no doubt that you will continue to do good deeds that continue in their legacy.
“And for all the young people of this nation and for all who are searching for what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith and humility. He showed it,” Biden added. “We are a great nation because we are good people, respectful and honorable, courageous and compassionate.” “Humble and strong.”
Vice President Kamala Harris called Carter's life a “testament to the power of service,” whether as a lieutenant in the US Navy, governor of Georgia, or president of the United States.
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“Throughout his life, President Carter was sustained by the love and support of his partner of 77 years, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, whose life President Biden and I had the opportunity to celebrate in Georgia last year,” Harris said. “After leaving office, President Carter continued his fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity through the Carter Center.
“I have had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his profound kindness, wisdom, and grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter,” Carter added. “Doug and I send our love and prayers to the Carter family.”
