President Joe Biden’s White House ordered all flags on public buildings, military and naval bases, and embassies to be displayed at half-staff and appointed Jan. 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning following the news of the passing of Jimmy Carter.
The statement said the 39th president “embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people.”
Carter not only led influential foreign policy initiatives — he won a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt and signed the Panama Canal treaties — he created institutional change in the federal government. The departments of Education and Energy were established under his presidency.
His work didn’t stop after he left the White House, as he traveled the world “to broker peace; eradicate disease; house the homeless; and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy,” according to the White House proclamation. Meanwhile, his marriage of over 77 years inspired the hearts of many.
Utah’s top political voices reacted to the news and recognized Carter’s bold legacy as a humanitarian.
Sen.-elect John Curtis commended Carter’s dedication to peace and his faith. A copy of the Jerusalem Post, signed by Carter, from the day of the Camp David Accords hangs in his office, Curtis said in a post on X. “It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the power of consensus,” Curtis, who represents Utah’s 3rd District, said. “President Carter’s legacy of diplomacy inspires us to continue working toward a more just and stable world.”
President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of the Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the… https://t.co/cKXUMgqdjN
Rep. Blake Moore, who represents Utah’s 1st District, also joined “the chorus of Americans in honoring President Jimmy Carter with news of his passing,” in a post on X.
Moore visited the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, Georgia, for a Ways and Means Committee field hearing. There, he said he learned about Carter’s “service to our nation and to causes like Habitat for Humanity,” a Georgia-based nonprofit. Carter would spend a week each year building homes with this organization. Moore added, “My thoughts are with his family this holiday season.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in a post on X also praised Carter’s humanitarian efforts and said his legacy transcends politics. Cox attached a photo of Carter’s visit to the Salt Lake Tabernacle during National Family Week in November 1978.
Image from Jimmy Carter’s visit to the Salt Lake Tabernacle during National Family Week, November 1978.
Outgoing Sen. Mitt Romney echoed these statements. “He is home again, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn,” Romney said. Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Lee applauded Carter’s knack for serving those around him.
“From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith,” Lee wrote on X.
Please join me in praying for the family of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away this afternoon.
Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man. From providing housing for thousands of families…
The Utah Democratic Party in a statement quoted Carter, who said, “‘The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it.’”
“As Democrats, we share President Carter’s commitment to making the American Dream available to all, regardless of the circumstances of birth,” the statement added. “May we learn from President Carter’s example as we work towards a government that works for all Americans.”
Utah state leaders honored Carter and first lady Rosalynn’s legacy at the Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity, according to a statement from the Utah Democratic Caucus.
“Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and House Minority Leader Angela Romero, alongside Habitat CEO Ed Blake, unveiled ‘Opening Doors,’” an installation with two white doors that symbolize Carter’s efforts to pave the way for thousands of low-income families. This installation was transformed through the artwork and messages from the public.” The Utah Democratic Caucus expressed their condolences to the late president’s family.
