Washington (TDI): Joe Biden and Donald Trump have led tributes to ex-US president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100.
Carter, who lived longer than any US president in history, passed away on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Biden described Jimmy Carter as “a man of principle, faith and humility,” while Donald Trump said all Americans owe the ex-president a “debt of gratitude”.
Carter rose from a peanut farmer to become US president in 1977, before being forced out of the White House after just one 4-year term when Ronald Reagan stormed to victory in the next election.
After leaving the White House with low popularity level, his image was restored through humanitarian work which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement, “Today, the United States and the world lost a great statesman, leader and humanitarian”.
“To all of the young people in the United States and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of humility, faith and principle,” they said.
The statement added “Jimmy Carter showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and sympathetic, strong and humble.”
Biden announced that a National Day of Mourning would take place on 9 January, with US nationals encouraged to visit places of worship to “pay tribute” to the late president.
Also Read: Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies
He also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast at all public and military buildings for thirty days, a period which includes the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump.
Trump said in a statement on his own social media platform Truth Social that the challenges Jimmy Carter faced as US president came at a crucial time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all people of the United States.
“For that, we all American people owe him a debt of gratitude.”
World Leaders Pay Tribute
World leaders also paid rich tributes to Jimmy Carter.
King Charles III said ” Jimmy Carter’s humility and dedication served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great affection his tour to UK in 1977″.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Jimmy Carter was “motivated by his strong faith and values” and that he “redefined the post-presidency with an extraordinary commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”.
Also Read: PM Offers Condolences on Carter’s Death
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Jimmy Carter “was a leader who served as US president during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with Ukrainians in our ongoing fight for freedom”.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated he had been a “staunch advocate for the rights of the weak and has diligently fought for peace”.
