PALM BEACH, Florida — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he intends to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
When asked about his plans while arriving at a New Year’s Eve gathering at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump simply stated, “I’ll be there.”
He refrained from discussing whether he had contacted Carter’s family regarding the funeral.
Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, will be honored with funeral services in both Georgia and Washington, D.C., starting on January 4 and concluding on January 9.
Throughout his campaign leading up to the November election, Trump often critiqued Carter, particularly noting the high inflation rates of the 1970s to draw unfavorable comparisons between President Joe Biden and Carter’s presidency.
Nevertheless, following Carter’s death, Trump expressed a more respectful sentiment on his social media platform, recognizing the former president’s contributions to the country.
He stated, “The nation owes him a debt of gratitude.”
Trump acknowledged their differences in political views but praised Carter for his dedication to the nation: “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.”
Dressed in a tuxedo as he participated in the New Year’s Eve festivities, Trump answered various questions from reporters. When probed about a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, he responded cautiously, saying, “We’re going to see what happens.”
He also addressed the issue of hostages held by Hamas, asserting, “I’ll put it this way: They better let the hostages come back soon.”
Looking ahead, Trump optimistically noted that he anticipates 2025 to be a “great year” and expressed confidence in the country’s future, stating, “We’re going to do fantastically well as a country.”
He reflected on a sense of positivity he has observed globally, mentioning, “There’s a whole light over the whole world, not just our country. They’re a lot of happy people.”
When asked about his New Year’s resolutions, Trump simply wished for everyone to be “happy, healthy, and well.”
Later in the evening, he addressed the attendees at Mar-a-Lago to ring in the new year, assuring them that he would “do a great job as your president.”
Meanwhile, President Biden celebrated New Year’s Eve by attending the wedding of his niece, Missy Owens, in Greenville, Delaware, followed by a reception in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
The Bidens shortened their traditional holiday vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands to be present for the ceremony.
