U.S. politicians from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter just minutes after the Carter Center confirmed the death of the 39th president of the United States on Sunday.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a statement calling Carter “a dear friend” and noting that “the world has lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, build peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and always advocate for the most vulnerable among us,” the Bidens said. “He saved, uplifted and changed the lives of people around the world.”

President-elect Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

However, Trump criticized Carter just this month for his policies toward the Panama Canal. The president-elect also took a swipe at Carter during the 2024 election campaign.

The Senate’s top Democrats and Republicans each released statements honoring Carter’s life and work.

“President Carter’s trust in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leaves a strong legacy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”

Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that “Carter’s character and commitment, like his harvest, were fruits of pure American soil.”

“After each season in which life took him to exalted service far from home, he returned home determined to apply his unique experiences and influence to helping others; in building, teaching and volunteering; “To further enrich the same rich soil that had made life possible for him,” McConnell said.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a joint statement recalling their relationship with Carter and noting that they were “proud, early supporters” of his presidential campaign.

“I will always be proud to have presented him and Rosalynn with the Medal of Freedom in 1999 and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.

Members of House leadership from both parties praised Carter’s life and contributions to the presidency, calling him “a great man, a great role model and a great philanthropist.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said Carter “showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country.”

Other politicians quickly began honoring the former president in social media posts.

“Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered for what he built and left for us – a model of service well into old age, a tireless devotion to family and charity, and a more peaceful world to call home can name,” he said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement.

Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said in a post on X that Carter “gave us a pure and enduring example of a public servant.”

“I send my love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and his tireless, humble mission to help others,” he added.

Condolences came from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also honoring Carter, a Democrat.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said Carter “dedicated his entire life to serving others.”

“Please join Ann and me in praying for the Carter family, their friends and everyone who worked with the former president,” he said.

Carter was widely recognized after his presidency for his work on human rights and social justice. He founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded “on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering,” according to the group’s website.

Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization, to help build homes for people in need.

“Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said in a post on X. “Providing housing for thousands of people .” families to Sunday school for the children of his congregation, he will continue to be recognized among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian achievements and his deep commitment to his Christian faith. “Several politicians also referenced Carter’s faith when reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, until the pandemic.

“We suffered from various political problems but had many things in common, including a love of the Lord,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a typically brief post to X.