Former presidents have shared their thoughts on the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the nation’s 39th president who held office from January 1977 to January 1981.
Donald Trump commended Carter’s efforts to “improve the lives of all Americans” during his presidency despite the challenges he faced. Trump expressed appreciation for the responsibility of leading the nation and acknowledged Carter’s dedication to the country.
Carter initially defended Trump during his presidency but later expressed concerns about growing divisions in the U.S. He highlighted Russian interference in the 2016 election as a factor in Trump’s presidency. In contrast, Trump referred to Carter as a “nice man” but criticized his presidency.
On Carter’s 100th birthday, Trump compared him unfavorably to President Joe Biden, labeling Biden as the worst president in American history. However, Trump acknowledged Carter’s efforts to make America a better place and expressed respect for him.
Barack Obama, the 44th president, praised Carter’s integrity and compassion, emphasizing Carter’s commitment to truth and public good. Obama highlighted Carter’s belief in the inherent value of every individual.
Overall, both Trump and Obama recognized Carter’s contributions to the nation and his efforts to lead with integrity and compassion.
Former President Jimmy Carter expressed his belief that racism played a role in the criticism President Obama faced due to his race. In a 2009 statement, Carter suggested that many white Americans, not just in the South but across the nation, doubted African Americans’ ability to lead the country. Despite this, Carter did not refrain from voicing his own disagreements with Obama on various issues, including questioning U.S. strategy against the Islamic State and Obama’s approach to discussing race. Carter also mentioned how Obama never sought his advice and didn’t even possess his email address. Obama, in response, commended Carter’s values and choices that contributed to making the world a better place. He praised Carter for embodying grace, dignity, justice, and service throughout his life. Additionally, former President George W. Bush paid tribute to Carter, acknowledging his strong convictions and dedication to serving his family, community, and country. Bush highlighted Carter’s post-presidential work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center as inspiring examples of service. The two presidents, despite their differing approaches, were noted for their deep faith and evangelical styles during their presidencies, particularly evident in their contrasting foreign policy strategies. Carter emphasized his Christian faith in advocating for peace, while Bush cited his belief in freedom as a driving force behind military actions. The two leaders had public disagreements on foreign policy, with Carter criticizing the Bush administration’s decisions and Bush defending his actions as necessary for national security.
“Day of Service” at Marcus Foster Stadium in Philadelphia on April 27, 1997.
Bill Clinton expressed his condolences on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, which occurred on Sunday. The 42nd president of the United States, Clinton, praised Carter’s life and service in a statement. He remarked, “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end.”
Clinton’s victory in the 1992 White House race marked a significant moment for the Democratic Party as it was the first time a Democrat had won the presidency since Carter’s victory in 1976. Despite their differences, with Clinton once describing them as “as different as daylight and dark,” the two presidents found common ground on various issues during Clinton’s time in office.
While Carter had initially withheld his endorsement during the 1992 Democratic primaries, citing the importance of honesty and truthfulness in leadership, Clinton later sought Carter’s counsel on matters of international significance. Notably, their collaboration was crucial in addressing tensions with North Korea over its nuclear program, specifically focusing on the militarization of plutonium fuel rods.
In recognition of Carter’s lifetime of service, Clinton awarded him and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. Clinton’s tribute to Carter emphasized the late president’s unwavering commitment to creating a better and more just world. Carter’s advocacy for civil rights at both the state and national levels, his environmental preservation efforts, his role in returning the Panama Canal to Panama, and his pivotal role in brokering peace between Egypt and Israel at the historic Camp David Accords were all highlighted by Clinton.
The passing of Jimmy Carter elicited responses from various former presidents, reflecting on his legacy and contributions to the nation. Carter’s dedication to public service and his relentless pursuit of peace and justice were acknowledged and celebrated by his successors in the highest office.
