On December 29, 2024, the world mourned the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. Renowned for his humanitarian efforts and dedication to human rights, Carter’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from global leaders and public figures. Among them was acclaimed author Stephen King, whose remarks on Carter’s legacy and a pointed comment about President-elect Donald Trump quickly went viral.
Stephen King, celebrated for his prolific contributions to literature, particularly in the horror genre, has also been an outspoken commentator on political matters. Following Carter’s death, King took to social media to express his admiration for the late president and to offer a critique of Trump. On December 31, 2024, King posted on Threads:
“If there’s a heaven, I’m sure of two things: First, Jimmy Carter is there already. Second, when Donald Trump’s time comes to stand before St. Peter, he better have a very good lawyer.”
This statement garnered immediate attention, amassing over 500,000 views and sparking thousands of comments. While many applauded King’s candidness and his tribute to Carter, others engaged in spirited debates, reflecting the polarized political climate. One commenter remarked, “He won’t get in. Period,” expressing a strong opinion on Trump’s afterlife prospects. Another added, “We all gotta die, nothing will keep Trump out of Hell,” highlighting the divisive nature of the discussion.
King’s remarks were not limited to social media. Earlier that day, he shared on Bluesky:
“Jimmy Carter has passed away. My wife says he was the last decent man in politics.”
This sentiment echoed the widespread admiration for Carter’s integrity and dedication to public service.
The juxtaposition of King’s praise for Carter with his critique of Trump underscores the ongoing political discourse in the United States. King has been a vocal critic of Trump, labeling him as “dangerous” and “horrible” in previous statements. In September 2024, King suggested that Trump should “drop out” of the presidential race, reflecting his deep-seated concerns about Trump’s leadership.
The viral nature of King’s post highlights the profound impact of social media in shaping public opinion and fostering dialogue on political matters. It also reflects the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter, whose life and work continue to inspire discussions on morality, leadership, and public service.
