Trump says he will attend Jimmy Carter’s funeral
President-elect Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that he plans on attending the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
Trump, 78, told reporters ahead of a New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate that he was invited to the 39th president’s state funeral in Washington, DC, which is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9.
“I do. I’ll be there. We were invited,” Trump said about his plans for the Carter funeral, with his wife Melania standing by his side.
The president-elect, wearing a black-tie tuxedo, was coy when asked if he had spoken to any members of the Carter family.
“I’d rather not say,” responded.
President Biden, who is expected to deliver Carter’s eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral next week, has declared that the longest living president’s funeral will be a national day of mourning.
The Georgia Democrat’s funeral will come less than two weeks before Trump’s presidential inauguration.
Carter died Sunday at his Plains, Ga., home at the age of 100 – more than a year after entering hospice care.
Trump released multiple statements on social media honoring Carter in the hours after his death.
“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,” the president-elect wrote in a Truth Social post. “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,” he added.
In a separate post, Trump said that while he “strongly disagreed” with Carter “philosophically and politically,” he believes the 39th president “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,” Trump added. “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!”
