Why Jimmy Carter will eclipse Donald Trump’s historic Inauguration Day from beyond the grave
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20 is already being billed as one for the history books.
Set against the grand backdrop of the US Capitol, the event promises to draw throngs of MAGA supporters and a mix of international figures, including Argentina’s leader Javier Milei. Trump even extended a surprising invite to China’s Xi Jinping, though it’s doubtful the Chinese leader will attend.
Yet, the spotlight won’t be entirely on Trump while he revels in his moment of triumph. Another former president—Jimmy Carter—will quietly cast a shadow over the day, even from beyond the grave.
Former president Jimmy Carter's death
America’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, passed away on December 29 at the age of 100 in his beloved Plains, Georgia home. His death marked the end of a life defined by public service, humility, and a commitment to humanitarian causes.
Carter’s relationship with Trump, however, was anything but warm. For years, Trump took pleasure in mocking Carter and often used him as a rhetorical punching bag.
At a rally celebrating Carter’s 100th birthday, Trump quipped: “Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison”—a dig aimed squarely at Joe Biden, whom Trump has repeatedly called the worst president in US history.
Carter didn’t pull any punches either. "I think he's a disaster. In human rights and taking care of people and treating people equally," he said in a 2019 interview with The Washington Post.
The former president proudly cast his vote in the 2024 election for Kamala Harris, Trump’s political rival and Vice President.
Flags at half-staff to honor Jimmy Carter
As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office once again, he’ll do so under a symbolic reminder of Jimmy Carter’s legacy.
Flags across the nation — including those at public buildings, military installations, and naval vessels — will fly at half-staff for 30 days following Carter’s death, per a White House statement.
This means Trump’s grand return to the White House will be marked by a gesture of respect for a man he spent years lampooning.
Considering, for a president as image-conscious as Trump, the optics of stepping into his second term under lowered flags honoring Carter might be a bit uncomfortable, Nicki Swift noted.
But in an unexpected gesture, Trump took to Truth Social to pen a rather heartfelt tribute to the late president.
Donald Trump's warm tribute to Jimmy Carter
“Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History," Donald Trump wrote. "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. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Trump added, “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he 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.”
The post concluded with condolences to the Carter family.
When pressed about his plans during a New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, Trump confirmed he would attend Carter’s funeral. “I’ll be there,” he told reporters, declining to elaborate on whether he had spoken with Carter’s family.
