On October 1, 2024, Jimmy Carter became the first former United States president to live to be 100 years old. Many people, including President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, celebrated the milestone with kind messages that praised the former president for his character and achievements. Former President Donald Trump, however, did not even mention the significant occasion. Instead, he made a snarky comment about Jimmy Carter.
While in Wisconsin on October 1, which was also Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, Trump referred to Biden as "the worst president," then added that Carter must be "the happiest man because Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison," reported the Associated Press.
Trump has a history of making comments like this. "Biden is the worst president in the history of our country, worse than Jimmy Carter by a long shot," Trump said at a campaign stop earlier in 2024, according to AP.
Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care for 19 months. Ahead of his 100th birthday, his grandson, Jason Carter, said his grandfather remained "emotionally engaged" even though his physical condition has "diminished."
Jason Carter has also said that his grandfather has been looking forward to voting for Kamala Harris and electing the first Black woman president.
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Jimmy Carter's son Chip Carter, 74, reiterated this amid his father's birthday celebrations. Per AP, Chip Carter said his father is "plugged in."
"I asked him two months ago if he was trying to live to be 100, and he said, 'No, I’m trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris,'” Chip shared.
During a 2018 interview, Jimmy Carter shared his opinion on Trump: "I think he’s a disaster," he said at the time, reported The Washington Post. "In human rights and taking care of people and treating people equal."
On October 1, 2024, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp shared his decision to honor former President Jimmy Carter by recognizing his 100th birthday as "Jimmy Carter Day" in the state of Georgia. Carter served as Georgia's governor in the 1970s, and returned to his home town in the state after he left the White House.
"On former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday, I have declared today 'Jimmy Carter Day' in the State of Georgia to recognize his legacy as our 76th Governor and 39th President," Kemp said in a statement shared on X. "Marty, the girls, and I send him best wishes as he and his family celebrate this milestone."
Obama also took to X to honor Carter on his birthday. He shared a video message, and wrote, "Happy 100th birthday, President Carter! Thank you for your friendship, your fundamental decency, and your incredible acts of service through the @CarterCenter. Michelle and I are grateful for all you’ve done for this country."
Biden praised Carter in a statement shared with CBS News. "Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us," Biden wrote.
Biden concluded his message with a simple summary: "Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much."
