From Biden to Clinton: Jimmy Carter’s relationships with his modern successors
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Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, had a unique relationship with each of his seven presidential successors, spanning decades and various political landscapes. As a former president, Carter maintained a diplomatic presence, offering counsel when needed and, at times, critiquing those who followed in his footsteps. His long tenure as an influential figure in U.S. politics allowed him to serve as both a trusted advisor and a vocal critic, shaping his relationships with leaders ranging from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden.
President Joe Biden
Carter’s connection with President Joe Biden dates back to the 1976 presidential campaign, when Biden, then a U.S. senator, was the first to endorse Carter. The two maintained a strong relationship over the years, with Biden frequently referencing their bond. During Biden’s 2021 presidential inauguration, the Carters were not in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Biden later visited Carter in Plains, Georgia, in April 2021. This visit marked the only in-person meeting between the two until 2023, when both attended the memorial service for Rosalynn Carter. Biden fondly recalled their friendship, emphasizing how Carter was “the first person to endorse him outside of Georgia” and their shared experiences over the years.
Biden celebrated Carter’s centennial birthday in October 2024, honoring him as “a moral force for our nation and the world” and a “beloved friend,” reflecting the deep affection between the two men.
President Donald Trump
Carter’s interactions with President Donald Trump were more complex. Despite some diplomatic exchanges, such as offering to travel to North Korea on Trump’s behalf in 2018, Carter and Trump’s relationship soured in later years. In 2019, Carter openly criticized the Trump administration, particularly regarding the Russian interference investigation, and suggested that Trump did not actually win the 2016 election. Additionally, Carter expressed his disapproval of Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially his decision to cut funding to the World Health Organization.
Trump’s views on Carter were less favorable. While he described Carter as a “nice man,” he also labeled him a “terrible president” in a 2019 press conference. Despite this, Carter’s candid views on Trump’s policies were a testament to his willingness to speak out when he felt it was necessary.
President Barack Obama
Carter’s relationship with President Barack Obama was strained at times. In a 2014 interview, Carter admitted that Obama did not reach out to him for advice, which Carter attributed to his public stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an area where Obama’s policies differed from Carter’s. However, despite the distance, Carter respected Obama’s achievements, even as he offered unsolicited advice on certain international matters.
Carter’s critique of Obama’s foreign policy was particularly notable regarding the Middle East. Carter’s diplomatic influence, especially through the Carter Center, had been sought by other presidents, including George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, but Obama opted to distance himself from Carter on certain issues.
President George W. Bush
Carter’s relationship with President George W. Bush was characterized by sharp criticism early on. In 2007, Carter called the Bush administration’s handling of the Iraq War “the worst in history,” and criticized the erosion of American values during Bush’s presidency. The White House responded dismissively, labeling Carter as “irrelevant” and “sad.”
However, Carter eventually offered praise to Bush for his role in ending the 20-year civil war in Sudan. At the 2013 opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Carter praised Bush for his leadership in securing a peace treaty between North and South Sudan, highlighting the importance of the U.S. role in global peacebuilding.
President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton’s relationship with Carter was marked by both collaboration and occasional tension. In an attempt to resolve North Korean tensions during his presidency, Clinton turned to Carter, who famously brokered an unofficial agreement with North Korea. While the attempt was complicated, Carter’s involvement showed his continued influence in foreign diplomacy, even after leaving office. Carter also worked with Clinton on multiple international matters, including a mission to avoid armed conflict in Haiti. Clinton honored Carter’s contributions by presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, a recognition of his continued diplomatic work.
Legacy of Diplomacy
Carter’s post-presidency years were marked by his unyielding commitment to humanitarian work, human rights, and diplomacy. While his relationships with his successors varied in tone and substance, his ability to serve as both a critic and an advisor underscored his deep engagement with the world. Carter’s legacy lives on not only through his pivotal role in negotiating peace accords and advocating for global justice but also through the bonds he formed with those who followed him in the White House. Whether offering wisdom or speaking out against policies he disagreed with, Carter remained a respected figure in American and global politics throughout his life.
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