Captured in photos, these living U.S. presidents united to honor Jimmy Carter, a historic moment so rare that some online wondered if the powerful scene was edited.
In a rare and poignant gathering, all five living U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—came together on January 9 to honor Jimmy Carter at his funeral service. The images sparked disbelief among netizens, who questioned whether the scene was real.
A netizen’s comment on the five living U.S. presidents attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, posted on January 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com/peoplemag
Vice President Kamala Harris and former vice presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney, and Al Gore joined the presidents at the service. Held at the Washington National Cathedral, the ceremony honored Carter’s lifelong commitment to service as the 39th president and a devoted humanitarian.
Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with first ladies Jill Biden, Melania Trump, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton, attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The program included tributes, musical performances, and speeches from five speakers. Eulogies by Gerald Ford and Walter Mondale were read by their sons, Steven Ford and Ted Mondale. Jason Carter, the late president’s grandson, delivered a heartfelt tribute, followed by Biden’s main address.
A netizen’s comment on the five living U.S. presidents attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, posted on January 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com/peoplemag
The reunion of past and current U.S. presidents at Carter’s funeral sparked varied online reactions. Some noted an air of discomfort.
A netizen’s comment on the five living U.S. presidents attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, posted on January 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com/CBSNews
“Is this photo shopped [sic]?” one user asked, seemingly struck by the surreal image of the five presidents together. “This picture is honestly so sad,” another noted.
For some, the moment symbolized a profound convergence of history and legacy. “An incredible, Historic, momentary view of past and present power making a personal accounting of what Jimmy Carter was for Humanity that they also are, were …and would never be [sic],” wrote one commenter.
Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses and other leaders, attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025.
Others noted the significance of witnessing such an event, “We were eyewitnesses to history on so many levels today.” Another highlighted the event’s gravity and Carter’s enduring impact. One user called it a “reminder of how rare and important this gathering is in American political history.”
Aside from the five living presidents, Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Al Gore, and Mike Pence, along with Karen Pence and Doug Emhoff, attend the ceremony | Source: Getty Images
The heartfelt eulogies were also received with praise, with one person describing them as “awesome and heartfelt.” Another reflected on Carter’s life as “a testament to a life well lived” and expressed gratitude for his contributions.
Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian resonated deeply. One supporter emphasized his example of grace and compassion and added hope that others might follow in his footsteps.
A netizen’s comment on the five living U.S. presidents attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, posted on January 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com/CBSNews
After the state funeral, Carter will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, at their family home in Plains, Georgia.
