President-elect Donald Trump responded to the news of former President Jimmy Carter‘s death Sunday afternoon, saying he faced many “challenges” as president, but commended Carter for “doing everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.”
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump pointed to the “enormous responsibility” it takes to be president and added that “we all owe him a debt of gratitude” for his service.
“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. 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,” Trump said.
Trump added that he and his wife, Melania, are “thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
He posted a follow-up statement on Truth Social two hours later, largely clarifying his disagreements with Carter and lauding him as a “very consequential” president and a “truly good man.”
“President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!” Trump said.
Trump most recently had pinned blame on Carter over his 1979 treaty that effectively did away with U.S. control of the Panama Canal, saying he “foolishly” gave it away during his presidency. The canal was given to the Central American country two decades later in 1999.
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Vice President-elect J.D. Vance reposted Trump’s statement on X and said, “Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.”
Carter died on Sunday afternoon at 100 years old after entering hospice care in Georgia over a year ago. His death marked the end of the longest life of any former U.S. president.
