News Flash
WASHINGTON, Jan 1, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US President-elect Donald Trump said
Tuesday he plans to attend the state funeral of former president Jimmy
Carter, who died Sunday aged 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," Trump said.
When asked a follow-up question about whether he had spoken to any of
Carter's family members, the Republican demurred, responding: "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, with family members
saying he planned to vote for Trump's opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
State funeral plans for Carter, a one-time peanut farmer who worked his way
to the White House, begin Saturday in his home state of Georgia and will
conclude January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral, where Trump is
expected to attend along with other dignitaries.
President Joe Biden, who will be in his final weeks in office, is expected to
deliver the eulogy at the service.
In 2018, after the death of former president George H. W. Bush -- who was in
office from 1989 to 1993 -- Trump attended the state funeral alongside fellow
ex-presidents Carter, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as their
spouses.
After the service in Washington, Carter's remains will be flown down to
Georgia for a private funeral and burial.