President-elect Trump pays tribute to Jimmy Carter

President-elect Trump said former President Carter, who died on Sunday, did "everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans."

"I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter," Trump said in a Sunday afternoon Truth Social post. "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."

"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.

In a later post on Truth Social, Trump said that while he "strongly disagreed" with Carter "philosophically and politically," he also realized that Carter "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. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed," Trump said in his second post about Carter. "He 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!" 

Carter died on Sunday in Plains, Ga., according to the Carter Center. He had turned 100 in October, making him the longest-lived president in the nation’s history.

Trump said in his initial post that he and incoming first lady Melania Trump were "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 said.

The Carter Center announced on Feb. 18, 2023, that the former president had begun receiving hospice care after a series of short hospital stays, choosing to “spend his remaining time at home with his family” instead of receiving additional medical intervention.

Former President Carter, a Democrat who was 52 when he entered the Oval Office, served a chaotic four years in the White House marred by the Iran hostage crisis, oil shortages and high inflation.

Updated at 6:33 pm ET.