President-Elect Trump Pays Respects to President Carter at Capitol
Carter’s state funeral tomorrow will feature tributes from national and global leaders, with President Biden delivering a eulogy. President-elect Trump is expected to attend.
January 9, 2025, has been declared a National Day of Mourning by President Joe Biden to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral will see tributes from national and global leaders, including a eulogy by President Biden.
This declaration will result in the closure of federal government offices, including the U.S. Postal Service. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will suspend trading for the day, and the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts will not convene. However, closures of banks, public schools, and other institutions will depend on local and state authorities.
President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by former First Lady Melania Trump, paid his respects to Carter at the Capitol Rotunda on January 8. The 39th president’s flag-draped casket lay in state as part of the formal state funeral proceedings. Trump, who called Carter a “good man,” has also criticized aspects of Carter’s presidency, such as the Panama Canal treaty.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans later today to discuss the legislative agenda as he prepares to assume office later this month. Despite their previous differences, Trump confirmed he will attend Carter’s funeral.
Jimmy Carter’s passing has been met with an outpouring of respect for his decades of humanitarian work. Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at the Capitol ceremony, highlighted Carter’s post-presidential contributions, saying, “Jimmy Carter established a new model for what it means to be a former president, leaving an extraordinary legacy of service and human rights advocacy.”
The former president’s journey to Washington began with memorial services in his home state of Georgia. On January 7, Carter’s casket was transported to the Capitol in a solemn procession along Pennsylvania Avenue, accompanied by family members and a horse-drawn caisson.
At the Capitol, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered remarks, reflecting on Carter’s presidency and lasting impact.
Thursday’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral will cap the week of tributes. President Biden, who has often praised Carter’s dedication to human rights and diplomacy, is expected to deliver a heartfelt eulogy. As the nation reflects on Carter’s life, his legacy as a champion for peace and justice remains a cornerstone of American history.