U.S. leaders from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter just minutes after the Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president of the United States had died Sunday.
The top Democrat and Republican in the Senate each released statements honoring Carter’s life and impact.
“President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”
Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that “Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.”
“After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible,” McConnell said.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a joint statement reminiscing on their relationship with Carter, noting they were “proud, early supporters” of his campaign for president.
“I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.
Other politicians also quickly began honoring the former president in social media posts.
“Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us — a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home,” said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement.
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said in a post on X that Carter “gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant.”
“I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others,” he added.
The condolences rolled in from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also honoring Carter, a Democrat.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said that Carter “devoted his entire life to serving others.”
“Please join Ann & me in praying for the Carter family, their friends & all who worked alongside the former president,” he said.
Carter was widely recognized for his work on human rights and social justice following his presidency. He established the Carter Center, a nonprofit that was founded “on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering,” according to the group’s website.
Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, to help build homes for people in need.
“Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in a post on X. “From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith.”Several politicians also pointed to Carter’s faith when reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, up until the pandemic.
“We were bit by different political bug but hv much in common incl love of the Lord,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, in a typical short-hand post to X.
