State Funerals: The Event that Reunites "The President's Club"
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton and President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, attend the state funeral of former President George H. W. Bush on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks).
Former President Jimmy Carter passed early Sunday afternoon at 100 years old, making him the longest-living president to date. His state funeral on January 9th is expected to reunite the exclusive Presidents Club.
Article by Avery Junker, Junior White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON - On December 29th, 2024 Former President Jimmy Carter passed in Plains, Georgia. All three proceeding presidents as well as President Joe Biden are expected to be in attendance at the state funeral to be held in Washington, DC on January 9th.
The Presidents Club is an unofficial term that describes the exclusive group of living former United States Presidents, and their collaboration. Coined in 1953 at the inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower, Mr. Hoover proposed an alliance with Mr. Truman, both earlier presidents. Together they worked to strengthen the Oval Office, an idea that has traversed generations. The extent to which each member participates is up to them.
Mr. Carter was a reluctant member. After losing his reelection bid in 1980 to the current day, he rarely worked with his successors on statements or collaborative tasks. He was a remarkable individual who marched to the beat of his own drum. No member of the President's Club visited his hometown until 2021 when President Obama stopped by. However, no matter his assumed reluctance he did emerge at times, and most definitely remained relevant across a slew of platforms.
Before Former President Carter’s passing, there were six members of the club, now only five remain. These members are Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden: the current president. President-elect Trump’s second inauguration in January means a new member will not be joining the group.
In the past, the club has attended the state funerals of past presidents, or former members of the group. For example, in 2018 Former President Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and then-current President Trump attended Former President George H.W. Bush’s funeral. The Bush and Trump family put aside their differences to celebrate the life of an American leader, marking the importance of the presidential club in bringing together politicians over their shared position. Although each member of the group may not have felt close with Mr. Carter, their respect for the office seems to outweigh their periodic disagreement with the man, and may account for their presence at his funeral in the coming weeks.
Shortly after Mr. Carter’s passing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a joint statement expressing their condolences and support of the Carter family during this time. President Biden ordered an official state funeral and it is assumed that preparations are already in place. Additionally, in a statement posted on Truth Social, former and elected President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and support as well as Former First Lady Melania Trump's. It is believed that he will be in attendance at the upcoming funeral.
The meeting of these prominent post and current leaders on January 9th will mark an important moment for the country, as well as an opportunity for them to express their gratitude. Former President Carter was known for his commitment to volunteering, kindness, and service to the country. He will be fondly remembered by those who loved him, the country he worked tirelessly for, and the presidents succeeding him who appreciated his effort. In the coming days, the list of attendees for his funeral service will be made clear to the public, and until then the country will continue to mourn a great leader.