|
Listen to article
|
US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to attend the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Trump expressed his respect for Carter’s enduring legacy, highlighting the former leader’s century-long journey and his contributions to American politics and global humanitarian efforts.
Speaking to journalists during New Year’s Eve celebrations at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, President-elect Donald Trump shared his plans to attend the upcoming state funeral for Jimmy Carter. The announcement punctuated the evening’s jubilant atmosphere with a moment of solemnity as Trump reflected on the legacy of the late former president.
“I’ll be there. We were invited,” Trump said.
When pressed about whether he had reached out to any members of Jimmy Carter’s family, Donald Trump opted for discretion, replying, “I’d rather not say.” His reserved response left the matter open to speculation, highlighting his preference to keep such interactions private.
Carter, a Democrat who served one term as US president from 1977 to 1981, voted by mail in the 2024 US presidential election, with family members saying he planned to vote for Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Read also: Trump Blames New Orleans Car Attack On Illegal Immigrants
State funeral plans for Carter, a one-time peanut farmer who worked his way to the White House, begin Saturday in his home state of Georgia and will conclude January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral, where Trump is expected to attend along with other dignitaries.
President Joe Biden, who will be in his final weeks in office, is expected to deliver the eulogy at the service.
In 2018, after the death of former president George H. W. Bush — who was in office from 1989 to 1993 — Trump attended the state funeral alongside fellow ex-presidents Carter, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as their spouses.
After the service in Washington, Carter’s remains will be flown down to Georgia for a private funeral and burial.
