Donald Trump says world owes Jimmy Carter a 'debt of gratitude' after death at 100
President-elect Donald Trump, 78, reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter at age 100 saying the world owes him a 'debt of gratitude.'
Carter died almost two years after announcing he would spend his final months in hospice care, ushering in a wave of tributes from world leaders and politicians.
His son Chip Carter, 74, confirmed the former president had died in his Georgia home on Sunday around 3.40 pm ET. He leaves behind four children and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
'I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
'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.'
'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.'
Trump's fond remarks come after he jabbed Carter on the campaign trail on his 100th birthday, saying that Joe Biden replaced him as the 'worst' president in history.
He later added that while he 'strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for.'
Last year, Carter attended his wife Rosalynn's funeral alongside former first ladies including Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush did not attend the funeral in Plains, Georgia.
Hillary Clinton joined her husband former President Bill Clinton in a tribute to Carter, who they said lived a 'long, good life.'
President-elect Donald Trump, 78, reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter at age 100
The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia
He had wife of 77 years Rosalynn by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96
The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia.
He had wife of 77 years Rosalynn by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96.
At 100 years old, he was the longest-lived former president in America’s history.
Carter's four years as president were blighted by an oil crisis that forced Americans to line up for gas and the Iran hostage situation that stretched into the final minutes of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over.
But the Navy veteran's dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics.
As a result, world leaders and sitting politicians started posting heartfelt tributes to the former president after news of his death.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden called Carter a man of 'great character and courage, hope and optimism.'
'We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.'
The president went on to compliment Carter's record on civil rights and his compassion for all humans.
'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. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.'
Former President Barack Obama said that Carter taught all Americans 'what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.'
Last year, Carter attended his wife Rosalynn's funeral alongside former first ladies including Michelle Obama, Laura Bish, Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton joined her husband former President Bill Clinton in a tribute to Carter, who they said lived a 'long, good life'
In his final years, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spent his days at his home alongside his beloved wife of 77 years until her passing at the age of 96.
'Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,' he said in a post on Sunday.
Incoming Vice President J.D. Vance also shared a tribute on X.
'Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.'
Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush called Carter a man of 'deeply held convictions.'
King Charles of England also offered words of condolences.
'It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights,' the king said.
'His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.
'My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter's family and the American people at this time.'
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he was joining 'all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning' following Carter's death.
'Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,' former President Barack Obama said in a post on Sunday.
Donald Trump's inaugural parade after being sworn-in as the 45th President
Former president Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100
'As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country,' he wrote.
'And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.'
'When he left the White House, the Carters’ contributions continued. From teaching Sunday school to congregants and visitors alike over the years to their tireless work supporting Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center’s efforts to address global health issues, Georgians are accustomed to seeing Jimmy Carter hard at work.'
Among the many politicians sharing their condolences on Sunday were senators.
Chuck Schumer wrote in a statement following the news on Sunday: 'Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.'
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the Senate Republican chairman, said Carter 'personified the American spirit of always giving back and never giving up.
'From peanut farmer to president, he lived the American dream,' said Barrasso, of Wyoming.
'America mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a humble humanitarian.'
John Hickenlooper, a Democrat from Colorado, also said Carter 'was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words.'
Mitch McConnell, outgoing GOP leader, paid a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter: 'Jimmy Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil'
He noted that Carter was a 'champion of human rights, a trailblazer for affordable housing, a veteran [and] a president who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer.
'There will never be another Jimmy Carter,' Hickenlooper concluded.
Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., outgoing GOP leader, paid a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter: 'Jimmy Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.'
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wrote in tribute: 'Jimmy Carter, both for what he did as president and in his later years, will be remembered as a decent, honest and down-to-earth man.
'He will be sorely missed. Jane and I send our condolences to the Carter family.'
