Trump Doesn't Stand for Obama but Then Chats with Him as All 5 Living Presidents Reunite at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

Mar. 15, 2025

The five living U.S. presidents —Joe Biden,Donald Trump,Barack Obama,George W. BushandBill Clinton— reunited to honor the life and legacy ofJimmy Carter.

President Obama, who arrived without his wife, Michelle, walked over to greet the former presidents and vice presidents before the service, as each stood up to say hello. But Trump, who was seated beside his wife, Melania, did not stand for Obama.

Moments later, when Obama took his seat directly beside Trump, the tides shifted as Trump immediately began chatting with his predecessor, with whom he has regularly butted heads with as recently as the 2024 election.

All five living U.S. presidents attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on Jan. 9, 2025.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty

The extended conversation marked a rare moment of civility between political foes, one most commonly found at a solemn occasion.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty

Thursday marks the final ofsix days of events, during which Carterlay in reposeat The Carter Presidential Center andstopped in front of his childhood home and farmin Plains, Ga.

Carter was a single-term president, holding the office from 1977 to 1981, and he wasawarded the Nobel Peace Prizein 2002 for his global humanitarian efforts in the decades after his presidency.

Hedied at the age of 100on Dec. 29 after spending nearlytwo years in hospice care, becoming thelongest-living U.S. presidentand the president with the lengthiest post-White House life.

Memorial for Jimmy Carter in Atlanta.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

The nation last held apresidential funeral in 2018for PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush, reuniting the living first families at the time. State funerals are historically among the rare moments when former U.S. presidents gather, as well as dozens of dignitaries from around the world.

Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton also recently attended amemorial service for Ethel Kennedyat the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., in October, though Trump and Bush were not present.

First and second families of the United States attend President George H.W. Bush’s funeral in 2018.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Each of the living U.S. presidentspaid tribute to Carterin statements they released following his death in December.

“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,”wrotePresident Biden and first ladyDr. Jill Biden.

President Obama and former first ladyMichelle Obamawrote: “To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff — from the earliest days to the final ones — we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.”

Jimmy Carter Funeral Service in Atlanta.Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty

Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, Trumpconfirmed that he wouldbe attending the funeral service after receiving an invitation, despite his tense relationship with Carter.

“Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” the president-elect wrote in aTruth Social postfollowing news of Carter’s passing.

“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

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The exclusive group of men who have held the nation’s highest office may reunite again later this month at Trump’s second inauguration, as it is customary for former presidents to attend. As of now, only President Biden has confirmed his participation.

All flags at the U.S. Capitolwill still be flying at half-staff to honor Carteron Inauguration Day — over whichTrump expressed his displeasurein a Truth Social post last week.

“Nobody wants to see this,” he wrote in aJan. 3 postto the platform. “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration. They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves.”

source: people.com