Former President Jimmy Carter dies: Leaders react to statesman’s death

As the world found out about the death of former President Jimmy Carter, those who followed him into the White House and other leaders of the country shared their thoughts about his passing.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a statement remembering his predecessor, writing, “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”

The statement went on to read, “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.”

The current president, who will become the oldest current living former president next month, ordered an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C.

Read the entire statement here.

During a live address from St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Biden spoke to the country saying that it feels like the whole world lost a friend. He listed all of the accomplishments Carter had after leaving office such as building homes for the homeless and ensuring free elections globally. He also noted Carter’s service to the country as a member of the U.S. Navy, Governor of the state of Georgia and as a Sunday school teacher at his home church in Plains, Georgia.

President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

“Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”

Former President Barack Obama on his website, highlighted the legacy of Carter both as president and as a private citizen, noting that tourists would gather at Carter’s church in Plains, Georgia, to hear him speak “undoubtedly there because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years in the White House — the Camp David Accords he brokered that reshaped the Middle East; the work he did to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating a pioneering women’s rights activist and lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; the environmental reforms he put in place, becoming one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change.”

Or to hear about his work after he left the White House, “monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity.”

Former President George W. Bush wrote on the George W. Bush Center’s website, “James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.

“We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted to social media, that they mourn Carter’s passing. “Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others —until the very end.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp remembered Carter on social media:

House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson wrote, “President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote, “Today, our nation and our world has lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness.”

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