American leaders from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter, minutes after the Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president of the United States died Sunday.
Top Democrats and top Republicans in the Senate each issued statements honoring Carter’s life and influence.
“President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a powerful legacy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “He taught us that the power of a leader lies in action, not rhetoric, in service to others, not personal gain.”
“Carter’s character and dedication, like his crops, are the fruit of the soil across America,” said outgoing Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
“After each season of sublime service far from home, he has used his unique experience and influence to help others, to build, teach and volunteer, and to further enrich the fertile soil that created the land. “I decided to use it to make my own life possible,” McConnell said.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement reflecting on their relationship with Carter and saying they were “proud and early supporters” of his presidential campaign.
“I have always been proud of awarding him and Rosalyn the Medal of Freedom in 1999 and of working with him in the years since he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.
House leaders from both parties honored Carter’s life and service in X’s post. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., praised Carter’s “lifetime of service,” and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called him a late figure. . “A great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian,” the president said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said Carter “showed the world the impact our state and its people have on this country.”
Other politicians also began honoring the former president through social media posts.
“Like many of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered for what he achieved and left behind for us: his model of service in later life, his tireless dedication to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home. ” Statement from Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.).
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) wrote in a post to
He added, “Sending our love to the Carter family today as we celebrate his life and tireless and humble mission to help others.”
Condolences poured in from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also paying tribute to Carter, a Democrat.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Carter “dedicated his life to serving others.”
“Please join Ann and me in your prayers for the Carter family, friends, and everyone who worked with the former president,” he said.
Since taking office, Carter has been widely recognized for his work on human rights and social justice. He founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded “on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering,” according to the group’s website.
Carter also worked with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for people in need.
“Even more historic than his time in the White House is Carter’s dedication to his colleagues after his presidency,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) wrote in a post to X. “If his family attends Sunday school for the children of his community, he will stand out among American leaders for his great humanitarian achievements and his deep commitment to the Christian faith.” Several politicians also pointed to Carter’s faith when reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Ga., until the pandemic struck.
“We faced different political issues, but we had much in common, including our love for the Lord,” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote in a typical short note to X.
