All 5 Living US Presidents Reunite in a Rare Moment at Jimmy Carter's Funeral — Photos That Sparked Reactions

Captured in photos, these living U.S. presidents united to honor Jimmy Carter, a historic moment so rare that some online wondered if the powerful scene was edited.

In a rare and poignant gathering, all five living U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—came together on January 9 to honor Jimmy Carter at his state funeral. The images sparked disbelief among netizens, who questioned whether the scene was real.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former vice presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney, and Al Gore joined the presidents at the service. Held at the Washington National Cathedral, the ceremony honored Carter’s lifelong commitment to service as the 39th president and a devoted humanitarian.

The program featured tributes, musical performances, and eulogies. Biden delivered a heartfelt tribute, focusing on Carter's enduring "character," which he described as the foundation of the late president's legacy. He stressed the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Biden added, "We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor." He also highlighted Carter's commitment to standing against "abuse in power" and his belief in the nation's potential.

"The very journey of our nation is a walk of sheer faith, to do the work, to be the country we say we are, to be the country we say we want to be," Biden said, reflecting on Carter's vision. "Today many think he was from a bygone era, but in reality he saw well into the future."

Biden concluded his eulogy, "I miss him, but I take solace in knowing that he and Rosalynn are reunited again. To the entire Carter family, thank you — and I mean this sincerely — for sharing them both with America and the world. We love you all."

The reunion of past and current U.S. presidents at Carter's funeral sparked varied online reactions. Some noted an air of discomfort.

"Is this photo shopped [sic]?" one user asked, seemingly struck by the surreal image of the five presidents together. "This picture is honestly so sad," another noted.

For some users, the rare gathering was symbolic. "An incredible, Historic, momentary view of past and present power making a personal accounting of what Jimmy Carter was for Humanity that they also are, were ...and would never be [sic]," wrote one commenter.

Others noted the significance of witnessing such an event, "We were eyewitnesses to history on so many levels today." Another highlighted the event's gravity and Carter's enduring impact. One user called it a "reminder of how rare and important this gathering is in American political history."

The heartfelt eulogies were also received with praise, with one person describing them as "awesome and heartfelt." Another reflected on Carter's life as "a testament to a life well lived" and expressed gratitude for his contributions.

Carter's legacy as a humanitarian resonated deeply. One supporter emphasized his example of grace and compassion and added hope that others might follow in his footsteps.

After the state funeral, Carter returned to Georgia for the final time on Thursday. He will be laid to rest in his beloved hometown of Plains, next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023. The interment ceremony at their family home will be private.

Carter passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 100 years old.

The beloved leader was the longest-lived president in U.S. history. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts.

Carter is survived by his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy cherished by his family and the world.

In a heartfelt tribute, Carter's son Chip reflected on his father’s profound influence: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

Prior to the state funeral and private interment, motorcade routes and events were coordinated and released by the Joint Task Force–National Capital Region.

While netizens marveled at the rare gathering of Biden, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Clinton at Carter's state funeral, similar assemblies have occurred in the past.

In 2018, Carter, Clinton, Trump, and Obama, along with their spouses, attended the funeral of the 41st President, George H.W. Bush, at the Washington National Cathedral.

Bush passed away at his Houston home on November 30 that year, at the age of 94. George and Laura Bush were also present at the late president's funeral.

The service drew global leaders, including King Charles III, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Bahraini Prince Abdullah, and King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, reflecting the worldwide respect for Bush’s legacy.

After the funeral, Bush's remains were flown to Houston and transported by funerary train to his presidential library at Texas A&M University. There, he was laid to rest beside his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, who passed away in April 2018, and their daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia at age 3.