Jimmy Carter unites US as presidents attend state funeral

Eleven days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for a turbulent second term, the incoming president and outgoing President Joe Biden set aside their bitter rivalry to mourn Jimmy Carter.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton also joined the ceremony to honor Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100 in Georgia.

U.S. President Joe Biden, U.S. Vice Preesident Kamala Harris, former U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attend a service, on the day of the State Funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., January 9, 2025. Reuters

Carter, a Democrat, was perceived as weak during his 1977-1981 term, but his legacy has evolved to emphasize decency and foreign policy achievements.

His flag-draped coffin, lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, was carried by an honor guard to Washington National Cathedral.

Carter’s grandson, Joshua Carter, delivered the first homily, honoring the last president of the “Greatest Generation.”

President Biden, fulfilling a personal request from Carter, gave a heartfelt eulogy. “Carter was a decent man,” Biden said.

Former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attend state funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral on January 9, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Reuters

The ceremony also marked a rare handshake between Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, the first since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The funeral, attended by five U.S. presidents, saw Thursday declared a national day of mourning, with federal offices closed.

Carter, who faced challenges including the Iran hostage crisis, has since been lauded for brokering peace between Israel and Egypt and winning the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts.

The casket of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is carried during a service, on the day of his State Funeral, at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., January 9, 2025.Reuters

His casket paused at his boyhood peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, before arriving in Washington for the ceremony.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Carter “one of the most decent and humble public servants we have ever seen.”