At President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama were seen having a friendly conversation.
This unexpected moment of friendship between two political enemies quickly went viral on social media. President Trump did not know what the interaction between the two men was about, but later said: “I said, ‘Hey, they’re like two people who like each other. “I said, ‘Yes,'” he said. And probably will. Despite their differences in political philosophy, President Trump expressed that they simply “got along” and enjoyed the ceremony.
The funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral, was attended by five living former US presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and outgoing President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was controversially defeated by Trump in the 2024 election, was also in attendance and seemed intrigued by the interaction between the two former presidents. However, she did not greet President Trump during the service.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Obama have a history of criticizing each other, with Mr. Trump promoting birther conspiracy theories about Mr. Obama and repeatedly attacking the Obamas. But in August, President Trump expressed unusual praise for his predecessor, calling him a “fine gentleman” and saying he respects the Obamas, according to CNN.
Just 11 days before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral provided a fleeting moment of national unity. Mr. Carter was remembered for his character, humanitarian efforts, and significant contributions to foreign policy. Outgoing President Joe Biden delivered a eulogy that highlighted Carter’s vision and character.
This moment between President Trump and President Obama sparked conversation online, with many commenting on the unexpected display of friendship between the two politicians. One user commented, “He was expecting a hello from Kamala.” The exchange was also seen as a rare moment of unity among living former U.S. presidents, all of whom attended the funeral.
