Biden, Trump, Obama, other past US leaders, VPs pay last respect to Carter as his body is buried

President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, league of former presidents attended the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday, marked by heartfelt tributes from leaders, family, and close associates.

Biden highlighted Carter’s unwavering commitment to dignity, justice, and integrity in his eulogy, emphasising lessons of character and respect.

“We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor and to stand up to — [what] my dad said, the greatest sin of all — the abuse of power,” Biden said, as all of the former presidents looked on.

“It’s not about being perfect, none of us are perfect. We’re all fallible.”

“Jimmy Carter, throughout his life, he showed us what it means to be a practitioner of good works and a good and faithful servant of God, and of the people,” Biden said.

Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, called him the “definition of integrity,” reflecting on his grandfather’s consistency in private and public life, as well as his pioneering environmental and humanitarian efforts.

Carter’s domestic policy adviser, Stuart Eizenstat, praised his moral compass and bipartisan approach, noting Carter’s role in advancing civil rights and prioritising human rights in US foreign policy.

Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young spoke to Carter’s sensitivity and spirituality, recalling his efforts to foster unity and equality.

“I don’t mean this with any disrespect, but, it’s still hard for me to understand how you could get to be president from Plains, Georgia, Young noted prompting a big laugh from the crowd in the cathedral.

“He never wavered from his commitment to God almighty and his love of all of God’s children,”Young added.

Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, was remembered as a leader whose vision transcended his time.

His legacy, including the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease, stands as a testament to his lifelong service. The funeral gathered political figures across the spectrum, celebrating a statesman whose impact resonated globally.

A roll call of attendees at the state funeral for Carter at Washington National Cathedral: US President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris, US President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Former US Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence, Karen Pence.

Others are former US President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US President George W. Bush, and Laura Bush as well as former US President Barack Obama, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff.