PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he intends to be present at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. When asked about his plans while entering a New Year’s Eve gathering at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump simply stated, “I’ll be there.” When pressed for details on whether he had communicated with members of Carter’s family, the president-elect chose not to disclose any information.
Funeral services to honor Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, are scheduled to take place in Georgia and Washington. The services will commence on January 4 and conclude on January 9.
During his presidential campaign leading up to the November election, Trump frequently criticized Carter, particularly pointing to the escalating inflation rates of the 1970s to draw unfavorable comparisons between President Joe Biden and Carter’s administration. However, following Carter’s death, Trump exhibited a more respectful tone towards the former president in his social media posts, acknowledging Carter’s contributions by stating that the nation “owed him a debt of gratitude.” Trump further expressed his respect for Carter’s efforts to improve America, despite their philosophical and political differences.
Sporting a tuxedo upon his arrival at the event, Trump briefly engaged with reporters, addressing a range of topics. When asked about the potential for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Trump only responded with, “We’re going to see what happens.” Regarding the hostages taken by Hamas over a year ago, Trump issued a stern warning, stating, “I’ll put it this way: They better let the hostages come back soon.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Trump expressed optimism, predicting that 2025 would be a “great year” and confidently affirming that the country would prosper. He noted a sense of positivity spreading globally, beyond the borders of the United States, with many individuals feeling content in recent times.
When questioned about his resolutions for the upcoming year, Trump simply expressed his desire for universal well-being, stating, “I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.” Later in the evening, Trump addressed the crowd gathered at Mar-a-Lago to celebrate the new year, promising to fulfill his duties as president to the best of his abilities.
Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden marked New Year’s Eve by attending the wedding of his niece, Missy Owens, in Greenville, Delaware, followed by a reception in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Biden and first lady Jill Biden curtailed their traditional holiday trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to be present at the ceremony.
This report contains contributions from Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Greenville, Delaware.
