The final chapter of Jimmy Carter’s life has been turned into a spectacle that highlights an unsettling trend: the relentless politicization of everything, even the passing of a former president. In their rush to weaponize Carter’s legacy, the media and political operatives on the left couldn’t resist spinning his death into a narrative that takes swipes at Donald Trump. It’s a shameful misuse of a moment that should have been about respect and reflection.
Carter’s family and close allies set the stage with a curious claim that Carter, in his last days, was eagerly anticipating the chance to cast a vote for Kamala Harris. Let’s be honest here—Carter’s health was clearly in decline. Suggesting that he was laser-focused on the next election feels more like a contrived attempt to bolster the Democratic Party than an honest reflection of the man’s thoughts. This sort of posturing does a disservice not only to Carter but to those who genuinely admired his service and legacy.
Then there’s the aftermath of his death. Some outlets didn’t miss a beat, turning Carter’s passing into an opportunity to tweak Trump, including our current President- Biden. The narrative? That Carter’s death would overshadow Trump’s much-anticipated return to the political stage. Articles gleefully speculated that half-staff flags and memorials would serve as a “reminder” of Trump’s supposed inadequacies. It’s as if the media couldn’t help but try to turn Carter’s passing into a tool for political snark.
President Joe Biden uses Jimmy Carter’s death to attack President-elect Donald Trump, says Trump could learn something from Carter’s “decency”
He repeats it 3 times: “Decency. Decency. Decency.”pic.twitter.com/PENgU7crFq
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) December 30, 2024
Here’s the rub: this obsession with Trump—even in the context of Carter’s death—cheapens the entire moment. Carter was a former president with a complex legacy. Whether you agree with his policies or not, his humanitarian efforts and decades of service are worthy of genuine recognition. Yet, instead of honoring those contributions, the coverage devolved into another chapter of the never-ending Trump drama.
The suggestion that Carter’s memorial would somehow upstage Trump’s inauguration events is laughable. Americans, for the most part, don’t fixate on the position of the flag on Inauguration Day. They tune in to watch the pomp and circumstance of a new presidency. The media’s attempts to tie Carter’s death to Trump’s political resurgence feel forced and, frankly, petty.
What’s most disheartening is how Carter himself is treated in all of this. In life, his accomplishments were often overshadowed by narratives that fit a particular agenda. In death, the pattern continues. Instead of celebrating his unique contributions to diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and public service, he’s reduced to a pawn in a partisan game. This isn’t just a disservice to Carter—it’s a disservice to the American people.
However, we can say that Trump did not disappoint when relaying his condolences to President Carter’s family:
🚨 BREAKING: Trump releases statement on the passing of Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/9GIjT9ewOB
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 29, 2024
Jimmy Carter’s passing could have been a unifying moment. A time to set aside politics, however briefly, and remember the man’s dedication to the greater good. Instead, it became yet another excuse for the media and political operatives to take cheap shots at Trump and push a divisive narrative. It’s a sad commentary on our times when even death can’t escape the clutches of political theater.
