Donald Trump has paid tribute to former president Jimmy Carter following his death aged 100.
Taking to his personal social media platform Truth Social, the United States’ 47th president-elect has honored Carter with a heartfelt post.
“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” the 78-year-old started. “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.”
He explained how Carter led the country during a “pivotal” time.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” he continued.
“Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers,” he added.
In a follow-up post, the soon-to-be-president also noted that while the pair didn’t see eye to eye on many things, he deserves respect for everything he did during his lifetime.
“…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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect.”
Stating that he was “truly a good man [who] will be greatly missed”, he also added: “[Carter] was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!”
Trump’s tribute comes alongside a handful of other heartfelt words of gratitude honoring the late leader, with Barack Obama, who served as the President of the United States between 2009-2017, stating: “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned,” former President Barack Obama said in a lengthy statement posted to Medium.
“He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.”
Former President George W. Bush called Carter “a man of deeply held convictions,” in his tribute.
“He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency,” the Republican said in a statement released by the Bush presidential center.
Joe Biden also released a statement via The White House in which he referred to Carter as a “dear friend.”
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” Biden continued. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.”
On December 29, it was announced that Carter had passed away aged 100.
He died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
