The funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, became an occasion for reflection and camaraderie among five living U.S. presidents. At Washington National Cathedral, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton sat together in the first rows of pews, marking a rare and poignant moment in American political history.
Joe Biden, currently in office, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, praising Carter’s “character” and the profound impact he made as a private citizen post-presidency. Biden recalled his decades-long relationship with Carter, mentioning how he was the first senator to endorse Carter’s presidential bid. Biden encapsulated Carter’s legacy as one of public service, emphasizing how every moment of life should be made to “count,” a lesson Carter’s example taught so well.
Photographers captured moments of warmth before the service, with Trump and Obama, long-time political adversaries, seen smiling and chatting. Despite their stark political differences, these gestures highlighted a rare instance of unity. Meanwhile, Trump, who had a tumultuous relationship with his former vice president, Mike Pence, shook hands with him before taking their seats. Their falling-out at the end of Trump’s presidency was a significant moment in U.S. politics, following Pence’s refusal to overturn the 2020 election results.
Also present were Vice President Kamala Harris, former first lady Hillary Clinton, and members of Congress, alongside international dignitaries like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Tension was palpable as Trudeau appeared to glare at Trump, a display of the political discord that has marked the last few years.
Despite the differences that have shaped their presidencies, the presence of these five former leaders at Carter’s funeral serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of public service, humility, and unity in times of reflection. Carter’s legacy, as Biden said, reminds us all that the most meaningful lives are those dedicated to service and making a difference.
