President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he will be attending the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday. Trump made the announcement as he arrived at a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, stating, 'I'll be there.' When asked if he had spoken to members of Carter's family, Trump chose not to disclose any details.
The funeral services for Carter will be held in Georgia and Washington, starting on January 4 and concluding on January 9. Despite being a vocal critic of Carter during his election campaign, Trump expressed his respect for the former president after his passing, acknowledging Carter's dedication to making America a better place.
During the event, Trump briefly addressed reporters on various topics, including the possibility of a ceasefire in Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. He also mentioned the ongoing issue of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the importance of their safe return.
Looking ahead to the new year, Trump expressed optimism for 2025, stating that he believes it will be a 'great year' for the country. He highlighted recent positive developments and expressed his desire for everyone to be happy, healthy, and well in the coming year.
At the same time, President-elect Joe Biden celebrated New Year's Eve by attending the wedding of his niece in Delaware, cutting short his holiday trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to be present at the ceremony.
Overall, Trump's decision to attend Carter's funeral and his positive outlook for the future reflect a sense of unity and respect for the nation's leaders, despite political differences.