President-elect Donald Trump has issued two statements on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100.
Trump shared his statements on the passing of Carter on his social media platform, Truth Social, noting that “we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” Trump wrote. “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 on Sunday night, Trump shared another message on Carter’s death, saying while he disagreed with him politically, he was a great example of what it meant to be an American.
“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 wrote.
Trump’s remarks are a departure from what he said about Carter during his campaign when he often quipped that Carter could rest easy because he is now being “considered a brilliant president by comparison” to Biden.
Other world leaders and presidents, including President Biden and former Presidents Obama and Bush, have also issued statements on Carter’s passing.
On Sunday night, Biden said that Carter “lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds.”
“We would all do well to be a little more like Jimmy Carter,” Biden said.