The more-than-shocking passing of former President Jimmy Carter at 100 years has brought reflections from a multitude of political officials, not least President-elect Donald Trump. Often combative and critical in style, Trump’s words toward Carter have taken many by surprise, showing much more respect than he has shown to others in the past.
Paying respects to a fellow president
On December 29, 2024, upon learning of Carter’s death, Trump made two posts on his social media site, Truth Social. In his first post, he said those who have held the presidency know best the singular demands and duties of that office. He said, “The challenges Jimmy Carter faced as President came at a pivotal time in the history of our nation, and he did everything he could to improve the lives of all Americans. And for that, we will always be grateful to him.” This acknowledgment of the efforts of Carter during his presidency is a complete about-face from Trump’s previous trashing of the former president.
In a different tweet, Trump provided details of his respect for Carter despite their being ideological opposites. He tweeted, “While I disagreed with him strongly philosophically and politically, I also knew that he loved and respected our Country.” He even went on to label Carter “a genuinely good man” who would be “greatly missed,” portraying the impact he had after moving out of the office.
Reactions from the MAGA community
The tribute did not go unnoticed by the former president’s base. Where some found his words respectful, others were baffled and angry. Many in MAGA were taken aback by the sudden about-face from Trump. Posts on Truth Social ran the gamut from cynical to disappointed, with more than a few describing Carter’s presidency as a disaster and saying Trump was being too kind.
One commenter said that even though they should show some respect, given that Carter passed away, they simply felt compelled to mention how his policies have hurt the country, and they are still feeling those effects today. Another commenter wrote something similar and even said that Trump’s tribute wouldn’t help him in the good books of people who view Carter poorly.
The blowback on this comment reveals the multi-dimensional relationship that Trump has with his base as it pertains to historical figures like Carter. While Trump has utilized Carter as a yardstick with which to belittle modern-day Democratic leadership, his most recent comments seem to be a turnaround from those prior barbs.
Historical context: Trump vs. Carter
Throughout his political career, Trump has referenced Jimmy Carter, almost always unfavorably. He has repeatedly spoken, at campaign rallies and in public speeches, about Carter’s single term in office (1977-1981), suggesting he is now more favorably regarded simply because of juxtapositions with contemporary leaders like President Biden. So, for example, just months before Carter’s death, Trump said Carter was “the happiest man” since he had become a “brilliant president by comparison” to Biden.
Carter himself once had criticized Trump, calling the latter’s election illegitimate and warning about dire consequences if Trump were ever to be elected president. That back story makes the recent praise from Trump all the more remarkable.
Jimmy Carter’s legacy
Jimmy Carter’s bequest is manifold. His presidency was riddled with quite a few setbacks, economic mayhem at home and international crises abroad. On the other hand, his post-presidency has been marked by great humanitarian work and pioneering peace and democracy initiatives around the world. His establishment of The Carter Center left a lasting legacy in matters of global health initiatives and conflict resolution efforts.
Trump’s recognition of this legacy in his tribute indicates an awareness of deeper importance in the role that presidents play beyond their occupation of the White House. With his recognition of both Carter’s hardships during his presidency and what he has accomplished since leaving the White House, Trump’s words may well resonate with a more general audience across party divides.
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