On December 29, 2024, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the US, passed away at the age of 100. He was in office from 1977 to 1981 and served only one term. In 2002, the former president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his global humanitarian efforts in the decades after his presidency.
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Carter’s funeral service was held on January 9, 2025. As expected, many political figures attended. Indeed, the five living presidents paid their respects to Carter, during which a moment between Donald Trump and Barack Obama has gone viral.
Donald Trump and Barack Obama in a friendly discussion
As mentioned above, the five living presidents of the US were in attendance at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, according to—a first since 2018 at George H.W. Bush’s funeral. Indeed, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
As many know, Obama and Trump do not see eye to eye politically, which was made evident during the 2024 presidential campaign. It also appeared to be made clear when Obama arrived for the service.
As reported by People, when Barack Obama arrived, he greeted the other former presidents and vice presidents. Each stood to return their greetings; however, Donald Trump remained seated.
Nonetheless, Obama was seated next to Trump for the service. Shortly after taking his seat, all animosity seemed to disappear as the two started chatting. In photos and videos of the two presidents, they are seen smiling and laughing together.
NOW - Trump and Obama at Jimmy Carter's funeral.pic.twitter.com/EITlH8Indq
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 9, 2025
The moment between the presidents was shared on X – formerly Twitter. The post has 9 million views, 23k likes, 1k comments and has been retweeted 3.3k times. Safe to say the moment went viral on social media.
On Thursday, January 9, Donald Trump was asked about the viral moment between Obama and him.
Donald Trump reacts to viral moment with Barack Obama
As reported by NBC News, Donald Trump, who has a whopping net worth, was asked about the viral moment with Barack Obama. Speaking to a reporter from his Florida residence, the president-elect said that when he looked at the video, he thought, ‘they look like people that like each other’.
He then added that ‘they probably do’. Trump also explained that he didn’t ‘realise how friendly’ the moment looked.
It did look very friendly, I must say. I didn't realise how friendly it looked. I said, 'Boy, they look like two people that like each other.' And we probably do.
The father-of-five then addressed the political disparities between Obama and himself. He explained that they do have ‘different philosophies’ but they ‘just got along’ at the funeral.
We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do. I don't know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.
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Sources used:
People: ‘Trump Doesn't Stand for Obama but Then Chats with Him as All 5 Living Presidents Reunite at Jimmy Carter's Funeral’
NBC News: ‘Trump says he and Obama 'probably do' like each other’
Politico: ‘Trump discusses his viral moment with Obama’
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