On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump stated his intention to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Trump, at a New Year’s party at Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, confirmed his attendance when asked about it, simply stating, “I will go.” He declined to share whether he had spoken with Carter’s family.
Carter passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, and his funeral is scheduled to be held between January 4th and 9th in Georgia and Washington D.C.
During the election campaign, Trump frequently criticized Carter, comparing the inflation rates of the 1970s to the inflation rates during President Biden’s term.
Following Carter’s passing on Sunday, the President-elect expressed his respect for the former President on social media. He wrote that the American people owe Carter a debt of gratitude.
While acknowledging their philosophical and political differences, Trump stated, “I recognize that he genuinely loved and respected our country and its values. He worked to make America a better place, and for that, I offer him the highest respect.”
Carter, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in 1976, amidst economic downturns, inflation, and the first government shutdown in U.S. history in May 1980.
In terms of foreign policy, Carter signed the Camp David Accords with leaders of Egypt and Israel, the nuclear arms reduction treaty with Soviet leader Brezhnev, and generously handed over control of the Panama Canal to Panama. His presidency was marred by the Iran hostage crisis in his final year, severely damaging America’s international image.
In an effort to contain the rise of the Soviet Union, Carter pursued a “leaning towards China, pushing against Russia” strategy, seeking to establish relations with Communist China and giving silent approval to China’s invasion of Vietnam. In December 1978, Carter announced the formal recognition of Communist China from January 1, 1979 onwards, establishing full diplomatic relations while cutting ties with Taiwan. This move drew fierce criticism from his Republican successor, Ronald Reagan.
After leaving office, Carter devoted himself to humanitarian work and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
(This article referenced reports from the Associated Press)