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 funeral service. 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 included tributes, musical performances, and speeches from five speakers. Eulogies by Gerald Ford and Walter Mondale were read by their sons, Steven Ford and Ted Mondale. Jason Carter, the late president’s grandson, delivered a heartfelt tribute, followed by Biden’s main address.
“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, the moment symbolized a profound convergence of history and legacy. “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.