President-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to attend the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on January 9. Speaking at a New Year’s Eve gala at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump confirmed his attendance, stating, “I do. I’ll be there. We were invited,” while declining to comment on communication with Carter’s family.
The black-tie event, attended by notable figures such as Elon Musk and Senator Ted Cruz, also saw Trump addressing questions about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s re-election. Trump endorsed Johnson earlier in the week, emphasizing his confidence in Johnson’s ability to secure the position in Friday’s House vote. “He’s the one that can win right now. Almost everybody likes him,” Trump remarked, downplaying concerns over Johnson’s struggle to unify Republican support.
On the H-1B visa issue, Trump clarified his stance amidst backlash over his recent defense of the program. Historically critical of the visa, Trump aligned with Musk in calling it a valuable tool for attracting global talent. “I didn’t change my mind,” Trump stated, highlighting the importance of bringing skilled workers to the U.S. to support economic growth.
The funeral, Congressional developments, and policy discussions set the stage for a politically charged start to 2025.
