In a rare display of unity, all five living U.S. presidents came together on Thursday for a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral to honor Jimmy Carter. The historic event took place just 11 days before Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House.
With Carter’s flag-draped coffin nearby, President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, paid tribute to the 39th president of the United States, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
Biden delivered a eulogy for his fellow Democrat and longtime friend, praising Carter’s “character” and noting that while he appeared to belong to a past era, “in reality, he saw well into the future.” Biden also appeared to indirectly criticize Trump, stating, “We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor and to stand up to… the greatest sin of all, the abuse of power.”
Over time, Carter has been reassessed, with a focus on his humanitarian efforts and achievements in foreign policy, especially his successful mediation of the peace deal between Israel and Egypt. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his post-presidential efforts.
Family members and former political rivals alike paid moving tributes to Carter, with his grandson Jason Carter highlighting his love for nature and his respect for all living things.
