Jimmy Carter, an American politician and humanitarian who was the 29th president of the United States, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024. Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, and was a member of the Democratic party. He advocated for human rights and opposed racial segregation, supporting the Civil Rights Movement during the mid 1900s. Though he was way ahead of his time in supporting women’s rights, civil rights, and environmentalism during his time in office, Carter is better known for what he did after his presidency, receiving awards such as the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and building houses through nonprofit programs. He also taught Sunday school at his church in Plains, Georgia “every Sunday from World War II to Covid”, according to NBC News. Known as the first U.S. president born in a hospital, Carter was also the longest-living president in US history, reaching the age of 100.  

Carter also came from a humble beginning of washing peanuts and packing them in paper bags, but achieved widespread success when he became governor of Georgia, going on to win the presidency during the Vietnam War. At his funeral, a host of high profile politicians and U.S. citizens gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to pay respect to his legacy; each of the five living presidents attended, with President Biden delivering a eulogy. 

President Biden held a very close friendship with Jimmy Carter, and in 2021, Carter asked Biden to deliver the parting remarks. On the other hand, President Trump and Carter have not gotten along as well. In 2019, Carter suggested that President Trump’s 2016 victory was due to Russia meddling with the election, to which Trump replied by calling him a “terrible president.” However, in Trump’s official statement about Carter for his funeral, he remarked that Carter “was a truly good man.” Former president Biden has ordered flags at the White House, military outposts, and public buildings to be flown at half height until 30 days after Carter’s death, upsetting President Trump, as this interfered with his inauguration on Jan 20th. Jimmy Carter was buried in Plains, Georgia, where he grew up and spent much of his life.

Article by Yosuke Shibata