Trump chats up Obama while Clintons, Harris, ignore president-elect at Jimmy Carter funeral
President-elect Donald Trump and future first lady Melania Trump paid their respects to former President Jimmy Carter at his funeral in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Despite their political differences, Trump and one of his most prominent political foes, former President Barack Obama, appeared to put politics aside during the somber event.
Dressed in a dark suit and a more subtle blue tie, Trump arrived a little before 10 a.m. ET and was seated at the end of the second row of presidential and vice presidential families. As he entered his row, former Vice President Al Gore smiled and quickly stood up to greet him. Gore, a Tennessee Democrat, did not have a significant other with him at the ceremony, as he has been separated from former first lady Tipper Gore since 2010.
Notably absent from the ceremony were former Vice President Dick Cheney and former first lady Lynne Cheney, with whom Trump has clashed in the past. Trump also shared a brief moment with his one-time ally and running mate, former Vice President Mike Pence, whose relationship soured following the Capitol Riot on January 6, 2021.
Former President Barack Obama arrived without Michelle Obama by his side and shared a jovial comment with former Vice President Dan Quayle. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush also arrived, with Bush receiving a warm greeting from the assembled guests.
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were largely ignored by both Trump and Obama as they chatted, while Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff shared a brief smile before focusing on the event. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden also arrived, with Trump and Obama not appearing to greet them.
Screenshots posted to X also showed outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau watching Trump as he entered the ceremony. Despite their political differences, the event was a moment of unity and respect as the assembled guests paid their respects to the late former President Jimmy Carter.
