Political opponents Barack Obama and Donald Trump engage in friendly conversation at Jimmy Carter's funeral, marking a rare moment of political unity, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)
- All five living U.S. presidents gathered to pay respects to former President Carter at Washington National Cathedral.
- Trump and Obama, known for their long-standing rivalry, were seen chatting and laughing before the funeral service began.
- The event marked the first time Trump and Pence had been together since leaving office in January 2021 after their falling out.
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President-elect Trump and former President Obama shared a surprisingly friendly exchange at former President Carter’s funeral, despite their long-standing rivalry. The two were seen chatting and laughing together at Washington National Cathedral before the service began.
The funeral brought together all five living American presidents, including Trump, Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Bush. Trump also greeted other political figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence, with whom he had a falling out after the 2020 election.
Friendly Exchange Overcomes Past Hostility
The cordial interaction between Trump and Obama was particularly noteworthy given their history of animosity. Trump had previously promoted false claims about Obama’s birthplace, while Obama campaigned against Trump in multiple elections, calling him a “threat to democracy.”
“Cameras captured Trump and Obama at Washington National Cathedral exchanging pleasantries, with Obama laughing at something the incoming president was saying,” the article reported.
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This event marked the first time Trump and Pence had been together since leaving office in January 2021. Their relationship soured after Pence refused to reject the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021.
The funeral service provided a rare moment of unity among political rivals, as they came together to pay respects to former President Carter.
Read more at The Hill