Carter died on 29 December at the age of 100. On Thursday, a state funeral was held in Washington, D.C., after his body lay in state at the Capitol for the public to pay their respects during the week. 

The funeral was a rare event in which current and former presidents and most of their spouses were present simultaneously. This created some memorable moments, although some critical officials were not there. 

Trump and Obama were friendly for a moment.

Before the service began, Trump and Obama, known as political rivals, had a friendly chat. Cameras captured Trump and Obama sitting beside each other, talking and laughing. 

Biden speaks at Carter’s funeral.

Biden was among a small group of important people who gave speeches at Carter’s funeral. In his remarks, Biden praised the 39th president as a great character ahead of his time on issues like civil rights, conservation, and peace in the Middle East.

After the service, while Biden was leaving the cathedral, he greeted the outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who had announced his resignation on Monday, and Prince Edward, who represented the British royal family.

Trump and Pence shake hands.

On Thursday, Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, were in the same room together for the first time since the end of their administration in January 2021.

When Trump arrived, Pence and Trump shared a brief greeting. The two shook hands and exchanged a few words. Former second lady Karen Pence remained seated and did not interact with Trump or incoming first lady Melania Trump. The Pences were seated a row behind the Trumps.

Harris looked unfriendly towards Bidens. When Harris arrived at the cathedral with her husband, Doug Emhoff, she did not greet anyone and sat down in a row in front of the former presidents. Neither couple said hello when the Bidens sat next to Harris and Emhoff. During the service, Harris mostly looked forward and only spoke to Emhoff a few times.

After the service ended, she greeted Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. Bush gave Obama a quick tap on the belly. When Bush entered the pew with the other presidents, Obama stood up for him, with Bush giving Obama a brief tap on the belly. The moment was very short, as Bush walked by Obama to get to his seat with Laura Bush between them. The two appeared to be the friendliest with each other in the group with the quick greeting. 

Michelle Obama and Dick Cheney were not there. Barack Obama was the only former president to arrive at the event without his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama. A spokesperson for the Obamas said she was not there but did not give a reason. On Thursday, CNN said the former first lady was on an extended holiday in Hawaii. Former Vice President Dick Cheney also did not go. 

Former Vice President Dan Quayle, who served under President George H.W. Bush was also there.

Thomas Gorsuch was not there.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson were all present at Carter’s funeral.

However, Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch did not attend.