Donald Trump’s remarks about the late Jimmy Carter, which netizens have reacted to, come years after the late former president shared strong sentiments about Trump.
During a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of the United States (POTUS) Donald Trump referenced the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Trump’s remarks came while he was discussing the tariffs he imposed upon countries all over the world, boasting about his actions as a president versus his predecessors, whom he criticized.
The POTUS’ commentary quickly veered from policy to personal critique as he touted his trade accomplishments. “We were treated very unfairly on trade,” he declared, before drawing a stark line between his presidency and those before him.
He claimed prior U.S. leaders either lacked business acumen or didn’t care to prioritize it, bluntly stating, “We had presidents that, in some cases, were smart, but they didn’t understand business […] or it wasn’t like a priority.”
The moment turned especially incendiary when he referred to the previous administration as “useless,” “incompetent,” and the “worst administration in the history” of the U.S., alleging their only strength lay in “cheating in elections.”
But it was what he said about Carter that struck a deeper nerve. With a dismissive tone, Trump remarked, “Jimmy Carter died a happy man. You know why? Because he wasn’t the worst president, Joe Biden was.”
His delivery blurred the line between political commentary and personal derision, detracting from what was a diplomatic exchange.
It didn’t take long for social media to erupt in response to Trump’s latest outburst. One netizen stated, “So unprofessional and disrespectful.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, “I have no words!”
A third person reflected on the broader implications, writing, “So sad to see our president like this.” Several others voiced their frustration in similar tones, with one observer asserting, “The disrespect is too much.”
A number of commenters appeared bewildered by Trump’s motives, questioning, “Why does he do this?” and pointing to what they saw as a pattern of relentless provocation and insults. Meanwhile, one spectator labeled him petty.
Still, a small faction of supporters interpreted his words differently — laughing off the moment, or defending the substance of his claims. One person penned, “Best sense of humor EVER!!!” while another countered critics by saying, “He did not mock Jimmy Carter; he mocked Joe Biden.” Someone else described the moment as nothing short of “hilarious.”
Years before Carter’s death — and long before Trump’s latest jab — the former president had already voiced his own pointed critique. In a rare public deviation from his typically reserved demeanor, Carter spoke candidly about Trump’s leadership in 2018, two years into the POTUS’ first term.
“I think he’s a disaster,” Carter said. “In human rights and taking care of people and treating people equal [sic],” he continued.
Though he remained largely silent about Trump throughout his later years, that single, unflinching statement left little doubt about where he stood. Now, in the wake of Trump’s remarks, Carter’s words seem to echo louder than ever.
The recent backlash Donald Trump faced regarding what he had to say about Carter is not the first instance in which the POTUS has garnered strong reactions for his behavior.
At the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 314 event earlier this month (April), he snubbed a certain individual, prompting online criticism.
After entering the arena, Trump walked down the aisle, shaking hands with some attendees and waving to others. When he reached the front row, he clasped hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and offered him a brief hug.
Next to Kennedy Jr. stood his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, who extended her hand in greeting. But to her surprise, Trump looked past her and turned his attention to someone else nearby, leaving her gesture unanswered.
Looks like Donald Trump and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm's Cheryl Hines (Democrat & RFK's wife) aren't getting on… pic.twitter.com/1aTxHzqTBq
— Craig Duncan (@Fludded) April 13, 2025
The moment quickly gained traction beyond the arena, drawing swift attention across social media platforms. One person commented, “Totally ignoring RFK’s wife.” Another questioned, “How do you just let someone disrespect your wife like that?”
This is story of @CherylHines who sold her soul to Donald Trump and who couldn't even get a handshake.pic.twitter.com/nJyRGGAr61
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) April 13, 2025
As reactions continued to pour in, many viewers quickly expressed confusion and disappointment over the interaction. One person wondered, “Why he dis Cheryl like that? [sic]” while another asked, “Why did he ignore the lady with JFK junior? Didn’t say hello.”
That Cheryl Hines pout kills me 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/1s7pLUDv9A
— JeSuisCH🏒BleuBlancRouge (@HabsHappy) April 13, 2025
Someone else remarked, “How’s he left Bobby Kennedy’s lady hanging… [sic].” Others commented on her expression, with one noting, “She looked like she was gonna cry,” and another calling the moment “awkward.”
Trump appears to snub RFK Jr.’s wife Cheryl Hines while entering UFC fights https://t.co/kMXOk12mc0 pic.twitter.com/Z8pcIxOZWb
— New York Post (@nypost) April 13, 2025
Still, past reports suggest Hines has found ease within those political circles. In November 2024, it was reported that she appeared cheerful and at ease at Mar-a-Lago on election night.
Cheryl Hines at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago election night party. It looks like Cheryl got over her objections of Trump. pic.twitter.com/fGlmSEoTaK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 6, 2024
Reportedly, a source also spotted her again at the America First Policy Institute gala, engaging with guests at the exclusive club. “Cheryl was talking to everyone, including Donald Trump,” shared the insider, adding that she seemed to be “playing nice with MAGA world.”
BREAKING: Cheryl Hines (@CherylHines) reportedly opposes her husband @RobertKennedyJr endorsing Donald Trump when he drops out of the race today. pic.twitter.com/q3xjI1zXFy
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) August 23, 2024
The moment marked a sharp contrast to her earlier stance. Reports previously revealed that Hines had openly struggled with her husband’s endorsement of Trump. Kennedy Jr. admitted the situation was difficult for her, describing it as “the opposite of what she would want to do.”
Liberal Hollywood tried to destroy actress Cheryl Hines when her husband RFK decided to run for President and again when he decided to throw his hat in the ring for HHS Secretary.
She stood by him then, and she beams behind him now.
Respect. pic.twitter.com/vvXSy96G5h
— Rob Smith (@robsmithonline) January 29, 2025
He explained that she only supported him out of love and had not encouraged the decision, adding that her unease had been the dominant emotion throughout.
Trump inauguration: Cheryl Hines embraces RFK Jr.'s MAHA mission https://t.co/fKv5YYGkzB
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 19, 2025
Outside the political spotlight, Hines is an actress best known for playing Cheryl David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” a role that earne
Their wedding took place at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, with close friends and relatives, including Kennedy Jr.’s mother, Ethel, attending the private ceremony. However, that elegant setting wasn’t their original plan.
The couple had initially considered a simple civil ceremony at City Hall. It was only after Hines mentioned it to Ethel that the idea shifted. Kennedy Jr.’s mother had asked, “Well, don’t you want to get married here so we can all be a part of it?”
That heartfelt question prompted a change, leading to a more intimate celebration at the family estate. The bride wore a strapless, pearl-beaded Romona Keveza gown — unknowingly choosing a style that echoed the grace of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
The ceremony held charm and spontaneity, especially when Kennedy Jr.’s mom’s dog unexpectedly wandered down the aisle ahead of the bride. That day marked the celebrity’s official entry into one of the nation’s most storied families.
Years later, the memories of that joyful occasion remained vivid as she and Kennedy Jr. reached a decade of marriage. To celebrate their milestone in 2024, Hines shared a touching tribute on social media, reflecting on their wedding and the loved ones who were there to share it with them.
She recalled dancing with her father, her brother, and her niece and nephew — some of whom have since passed, making the memory all the more meaningful.
Looking back on their years together, the Hollywood star expressed deep appreciation for her husband and the life they created, “You have given me a life I could’ve never imagined, full of love, laughter, joy, and adventure. In my darkest hours, you bring me light. I love you.”
In February 2025, she shared a Valentine’s Day tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of the couple with the caption “Happy Valentine’s Day,” followed by two heart emojis.
From a public snub at a high-profile event to warm moments shared with her husband, Cheryl Hines remains a figure of interest both on and off the screen. Her evolving presence in political circles has sparked conversation, especially given her earlier discomfort with that world.
Yet, beyond the headlines, she embraces her roles as a wife and an actress with quiet grace. As she and Kennedy Jr. celebrate a decade together, their journey reflects a balance of deep personal devotion and persistent public scrutiny.
