Democrats and Republicans honor former President Jimmy Carter’s lifetime of service

Former presidents, members of Congress and other U.S. leaders from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter after the Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president of the United States had died Sunday.

Politicians heaped praise on Carter for his lifetime of service, pointing to his humanitarian and volunteer work, as well as his advocacy for peace around the world. Leaders also reminisced about their friendships and work alongside the late president, with many repeating the sentiment that the country and the world benefited from his leadership.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden called Carter “a dear friend” in a statement, saying that “the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” the Bidens said. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”

President-elect Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Trump criticized Carter just this month, however, for his policies toward the Panama Canal. He also took jabs at Carter on the 2024 campaign trail.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said that Carter had the “longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history.”

“Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned,” the Obamas said in a statement. “He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion.”

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reminisced about their relationship with Carter, noting in a joint statement that they were “proud, early supporters” of his campaign for president.

“I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.

Former President George W. Bush called Carter “a man of deeply held convictions.”

“He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country,” he said in a statement. “President Carter dignified the office.”

‘A model of service’

The top Democrats and Republicans in Congress also released statements honoring Carter’s life and impact.

“President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”

Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, “Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.”

“After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible,” McConnell said.

Members of House leadership from both parties honored Carter’s life and service on X. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement that “no one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country,” while his deputy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., praised Carter’s “lifetime of service.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called Carter “a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian.” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that Carter “embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness” in a lengthy post on X, calling his life “saintly in its devotion to public service and peace.”

“As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own,” Pelosi continued. “After leaving the White House, he carried on his service — leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.”

Other politicians also quickly began honoring him in social media posts.

“Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us — a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement.

Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said on X that Carter “gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant.”

“I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others,” he added.

‘Serving his fellow man’

The condolences continued to roll in from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also honoring Carter, a Democrat.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Carter “devoted his entire life to serving others.”

“Please join Ann & me in praying for the Carter family, their friends & all who worked alongside the former president,” he said.

Carter was widely recognized for his work on human rights and social justice after his presidency. He established the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization that was founded “on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering,” according to the group’s website.

Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization, to help build homes for people in need.

“Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on X. “From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith.”Several politicians also pointed to Carter’s faith in reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown, Plains, Georgia, up until the pandemic.

“We were bit by different political bug but hv much in common incl love of the Lord,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a typical shorthand post on X.

Carter, a Georgia native, had been receiving hospice care in Plains, where was born 100 years ago, in 1924.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said Carter “showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., posted a picture of himself and the late president and first lady to X, writing that Carter “was one of my heroes, the embodiment of faith coming alive through the noble work of public service.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said in a statement that “the State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.”

“I join all Georgians and all Americans in mourning his loss,” Ossoff added. “May Jimmy Carter’s memory be a blessing.”