US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his plans to attend the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100.
Trump shared his intentions with reporters during New Year’s Eve celebrations at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
“I’ll be there. We were invited,” he said.
When asked if he had spoken to any members of Carter’s family, the Republican declined to comment, saying: “I’d rather not say.”
Carter, a Democrat who served one term as US President from 1977 to 1981, voted by mail in the 2024 US presidential election. Family members had stated he intended to support Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
State funeral arrangements for Carter, a former peanut farmer who rose to the presidency, will commence on Saturday in Georgia, his home state. The proceedings will conclude on 9 January at the Washington National Cathedral, where Trump and other dignitaries are expected to attend.
President Joe Biden, entering the final weeks of his presidency, is set to deliver the eulogy during the Washington service.
In 2018, following the death of former President George H. W. Bush, Trump attended the state funeral alongside former Presidents Carter, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, as well as their spouses.
After the service in Washington, Carter’s remains will be returned to Georgia for a private funeral and burial.