No former U.S. president has ever reached the age of 100 — but even at this remarkable milestone, one couldn’t escape criticism from a fellow ex-president.
Jimmy Carter, who served as U.S. president from 1977 to 1981, reached the incredible milestone of turning 100 this week, despite having entered hospice care 19 months ago after a prolonged battle with cancer.
While family, friends, and celebrities gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” in Georgia, former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to make a pointed remark. Trump, who is once again seeking the presidency, reiterated his familiar criticism of incumbent Joe Biden, calling him the “worst president ever.” However, he went further: “Jimmy Carter is the luckiest man in the world — his presidency is now considered brilliant in comparison!”
In other words, from Trump’s perspective, Biden has taken over the title of worst commander-in-chief from Carter.
This exchange is part of a longstanding feud between the 39th and 45th presidents. During Trump’s time in office, Carter questioned the legitimacy of his presidency, stating in 2019 that Trump only won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton (76) due to Russian interference. In response, Trump labeled Carter a “forgotten president,” adding, “He’s a nice man, but he was a terrible president!”
Both have been feuding for a long time
Before this, Carter had described Trump as a “disaster” who “doesn’t take the truth very seriously.”
During Carter’s presidency, the U.S. faced a severe economic crisis with high inflation and interest rates, and endured the Iran hostage crisis, where 53 Americans were held captive for 444 days.
Carter was defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan by nearly ten percentage points after just one term.
However, Carter went on to build a highly respected post-presidential career, founding the Carter Center to promote human rights and democracy worldwide.
Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, to whom he was married for 77 years, passed away in early 2023. According to his grandson, Jimmy Carter hopes to live long enough to cast his vote in the 2024 election. He has expressed a desire to vote for Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris (59).
