Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump could meet for the first time since the 2024 election results next month, at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
The political rivals who clashed during this year’s presidential election are both likely attendees at Carter’s funeral, scheduled by President Joe Biden for January 9.
Newsweek contacted the White House and the Trump transition team for attendance confirmation via email.
Why It Matters
Harris and Trump have not met in person since they attended the 9/11 memorial in September for the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, amid a heated election campaign. Since then, Trump emerged victorious in the polls, with the president-elect to return to the White House on the same day that the vice president will vacate her office.
Carter’s funeral means that the two will likely appear side-by-side for the first time since Election Day, as all former presidents and vice presidents have historically attended the funerals of those who held the office.
What To Know
Former President Carter died on Sunday, at the age of 100. President Biden confirmed that January 9 would be a national day of mourning in recognition of his death, with a state funeral taking place on the same day.
Every living former president has attended the state funeral of a president in the past. The most recent example, the funeral of George H.W. Bush, was attended by former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, along with then-President Trump. The vice president at the time, Mike Pence, also attended.
Kamala Harris shakes hands with Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. The two will likely meet again at Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
Getty Images
This indicates that both Harris and Trump, as incumbent vice president and a former president and president-elect, will be present at Carter’s funeral in January.
Harris and Trump met for the first time this year on the debate stage in September, meeting again a few days later in New York for the 9/11 anniversary. Since then, the two have had no further published communications beyond Harris calling Trump to concede the election on November 5.
What People Are Saying
In a statement on Jimmy Carter’s death, Vice President Kamala Harris said: “President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity.
“Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service — as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion.”
President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement, saying: “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for.
“He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!”
What Happens Next
Trump will return to the White House over a week after the funeral on January 20, while Harris will vacate the residency of the vice president. The national day of mourning will not be a federal holiday.
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