Earlier on Sunday, we shared the solemn news on former President Jimmy Carter’s passing away at the age of 100:
James Earl (“Jimmy”) Carter Jr., 39th President of the United States, has died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia.
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At 100, Carter was the longest-lived U.S. President, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who was 94 at the time of his death in 2018. Carter, who served as President from 1977 to 1981, also boasts the longest retirement of a U.S. President, eclipsing Herbert Hoover’s 31 years in 2012. Carter also holds the distinction of being the first U.S. President to be born in a hospital.
Our colleague Andrew Malcolm wrote a column to mark his death, too.
Both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance made their condolences on the late president’s passing. First, Trump wrote, via his Truth Social account, his immediate reaction to the news of Carter’s death:
He wrote:
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.
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.
Later, he provided a follow-up on his thoughts about the 39th U.S. president:
He wrote:
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!
Above a reshare on X of Trump’s original condolence post, Vance wrote:
Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.
President Joe Biden also gave brief remarks tonight, while taking a vacation in St. Croix, as my colleague Nick Arama wrote. You can watch his full speech at the link below.
