Five former U.S. presidents gathered at Washington National Cathedral for a historic and emotionally charged farewell to America's longest-lived former commander-in-chief.
According to The Telegraph, Vice President Kamala Harris notably avoided interaction with President-elect Donald Trump during Jimmy Carter's state funeral, creating a palpable tension as she sat directly in front of her recent electoral rival.
The funeral service brought together the exclusive "Presidents Club" for the first time since 2018, featuring Trump, Barack Obama, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, seated in the second row. The gathering was marked by varying dynamics among the attendees, with Trump and Obama engaging in conversation while Harris maintained a stoic demeanor throughout the ceremony.
The service revealed deeper political divisions beyond the Harris-Trump interaction. Karen Pence, the former second lady, remained seated as Trump attempted to shake hands with her husband Mike Pence, highlighting the ongoing rift between the former running mates. Their strained relationship stems from Mike Pence's refusal to block President Biden's 2021 election certification.
President Joe Biden, delivering one of his final official addresses as president, shared personal reflections on his long-standing friendship with Carter. Biden's eulogy emphasized Carter's character and vision for the future.
As shared by Biden in his eulogy:
Throughout his life, he showed us what it means to be practitioner of good works, and a good and faithful servant of God and the people. Today, many think he was from a bygone era. But in reality, he saw well into the future.
The state funeral followed several days of public commemorations, including Carter's casket lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, where thousands of Americans paid their respects. Carter's three grandsons - Josh, James, and Jason Carter - delivered personal tributes, alongside posthumous remembrances from Walter Mondale's and Gerald Ford's sons.
Trump, set to assume office on January 20, acknowledged Carter as a "good man" but criticized his decision regarding the Panama Canal during a Monday press conference. The contrasting perspectives highlighted the complex nature of Carter's presidential legacy.
Following the cathedral service, Carter's remains were transported via Air Force One to his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The former president was laid to rest beside his wife Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023 after 77 years of marriage.
Carter's presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the historic Israel-Egypt peace agreement, but they also faced considerable challenges, such as inflation and the Iranian hostage crisis. His single term ended with a decisive loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Post-presidency, Carter and Rosalynn established The Carter Centre in Atlanta, dedicating themselves to global humanitarian work. Their efforts in disease prevention, conflict mediation, election monitoring, and advocacy for equality earned Carter the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
The impact of their work extended far beyond American borders, transforming the model of post-presidential service and establishing a legacy of humanitarian achievement that transcended political boundaries.
Jimmy Carter, who passed away at age 100, received a final tribute that brought together America's political leadership despite deep divisions. The state funeral at Washington National Cathedral featured current and former presidents, highlighting moments of unity and tension among the nation's top leaders. Carter's final journey concluded in his beloved Plains, Georgia, where he was laid to rest alongside his wife Rosalynn, marking the end of an era in American political history that spanned from his presidency through decades of humanitarian service.
