A post shared on Facebook suggests that former President Jimmy Carter supposedly remarked, “an eternity without [President-Elect Donald] Trump is the greatest gift of all.” This claim, however, is false. It originates from a January 9 satirical post by Andy Borowitz on his Substack newsletter, “The Borowitz Report.”
Jimmy Carter’s funeral occurred on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, as reported by NBC News. The event was attended by all five living current and former U.S. presidents at that time. The Facebook post in question claims that Carter expressed, “an eternity without Trump is the greatest gift of all.” According to the post, Carter allegedly stated in an interview that the best part of Heaven was knowing he’d never encounter Donald J. Trump again, adding, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful for the gift of eternal life, but an eternity without Trump is the greatest gift of all.”
This statement is entirely fabricated and can be traced back to a satirical piece by Borowitz shared via his Substack newsletter. Borowitz, as described on his “About” page, is a writer and comedian who has been crafting satirical news since the age of eighteen. There is no reference to this claim on the Carter Center’s website or its affiliated social media platforms. Moreover, Donald Trump has not made any public comments regarding this statement.
Further investigation by Check Your Fact found no credible news sources to substantiate this claim. In fact, the opposite is true. On January 14, Snopes debunked the claim, pointing out its origin in Borowitz’s satirical newsletter. This is not the first instance of misinformation involving former President Carter. On December 29, The Washington Post reported that Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. President, had passed away at the age of 100. Check Your Fact has reached out to the Carter Center for comment on the matter.
Satirical writing often blurs the line between reality and fiction, leading to misunderstandings when taken out of context. Andy Borowitz’s work is known for its humorous and exaggerated takes on current events, and this particular claim about Carter is no exception. It’s essential for readers to recognize the comedic nature of such pieces and not mistake them for factual reporting.
Misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, sometimes gaining traction among users who may not verify the authenticity of the content they encounter. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to fact-check information before sharing it further. In this case, the claim about Carter’s supposed remarks serves as a reminder of how easily satirical content can be misconstrued as genuine.
The internet is rife with similar scenarios where satirical articles or posts are misinterpreted, leading to confusion and the dissemination of false information. Consumers of news and social media content must exercise diligence and skepticism, especially when encountering claims that seem sensational or implausible.
In the landscape of modern media, where information is abundant and easily accessible, distinguishing between satire and legitimate news is crucial. Readers should be aware of the sources of their information and consider the context in which it is presented. Satirical pieces are designed to entertain and provoke thought, not to mislead or deceive.
The spread of false claims, such as the one involving Jimmy Carter, underscores the challenges faced by both consumers and producers of information in the digital age. It is incumbent upon individuals to engage with content critically and to seek out reliable sources when verifying claims encountered online.
As social media platforms continue to serve as primary sources of news for many individuals, the responsibility to discern fact from fiction becomes even more pressing. Users are encouraged to approach information with a healthy dose of skepticism and to utilize fact-checking resources when uncertain about the veracity of a claim.
The dissemination of satirical content as fact also poses questions about the role of platforms in moderating content and preventing the spread of misinformation. While satire is a legitimate form of expression, ensuring that it is clearly identified as such can help mitigate the risk of it being taken out of context.
Ultimately, the case of the fabricated Jimmy Carter quote serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for satirical content to be misconstrued, emphasizing the importance of media literacy and critical engagement in our consumption of information.
To say you/I would like it that while in eternity I would not encounter someone is hateful and not Christian. God says He is not willing that any should perish and all come to repentance, so if God can welcome people like Saul of Tarish, Son of Sam, and Karla Fey Tucker after their horrible deeds, then a Christian who loves God will also welcome these people in heaven. I don’t think knowing who is in heaven will be my aim, but just looking at the face of the ONE who died for me is all I want. I want to talk to some saints who lived thousands of years ago, but I just want to join the choir and praise His name.
Esther, very good perspective and all I can say is when and if I make it there I will be “completely transformed from my former self into a radiate loving child of God’s,” which would surely mean “I will love and be at peace with all that is part of Paradise!”
I admit now as a fallen and broken sinner I don’t always exemplify and practice this understanding to the best of my ability, but that is why I’m still here and not there yet; as there is always room for improvement and growth spiritually, “I’m the clay and He is the Master Potter, therefore he is the only one that can say it is finished!”
Isaiah 64:7-9 “No one calls on Your name or strives to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us and delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. 9Do not be angry, O LORD, beyond measure; do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray; we are all Your people!”
Amen.