SAN DIEGO — Remember their birthdays.

President Joe Biden told a packed room of human resources professionals on the final day of SHRM 2025 that being a great leader means getting to know workers and colleagues.

“You know better than anyone, the strength of a team comes down to the individual people on that team, whether they feel valued, whether they feel supported,” said Biden, who quipped that being the country’s chief executive is essentially being the ultimate chief people officer.

He urged the HR leaders in attendance to make time for human connections and to lead by example.

“Too often we try to separate people into categories: They’re work, or they’re family. We say it’s business; it’s not personal,” Biden said. “Real leadership is all about getting personal… It’s about connecting. It means having empathy.”

It means remembering their birthdays, he said.

Former President Joe Biden speaks to SHRM25 attendees July 2, 2025, in San Diego, Calif. Ginger Christ/HR Dive

An unwritten rule during his time in office was that any member of his family would be put through immediately when they called — unless they specified that it wasn’t important.

On the day of an important vote in Congress that he couldn’t miss, Biden took the train back home to Delaware, watched his daughter blow out candles on the platform for her eighth birthday and jumped back on a train southbound to the nation’s capitol.

“We tell ourselves, ‘I have to be at that meeting, have to get that report done. I have to take that trip.’ Then, we tell ourselves, ‘My wife will understand, my kids will understand. We can make it up later,’” Biden said. “But deep down, we know we’re killing ourselves. It does matter for moments you’ll never get back. You might never know how much it mattered to your loved one.”

Efforts like that, or commuting two hours home every day showed his staff that he wanted them to put their life, their family first, he said.

After becoming vice president, Biden sent a memo to his team that said: “I do not want you to miss important family obligations for work. These include, but are not limited to birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, religious ceremonies, graduations, times of need, such as illness and loss. This is very important to me. In fact, I’ll go so far as I say, ‘If I find out you are working with me while missing an important family responsibility, it will disappoint me greatly.’”

Workers will give their all, he said, when they know you care not just about them but about their families, too.

After TWA Flight 800 crashed in New York in 1996, President Bill Clinton asked “every American not to jump to conclusions” about what brought it down and declared it time “to pull together and work together.”

Five years later, when American Airlines Flight 587 fell out of the sky, President George W. Bush predicted that the “resilient and strong and courageous people” of New York would get through the tragedy. In 2009, after a Colgan Air plane crashed near Buffalo, President Barack Obama said that “tragic events such as these remind us of the fragility of life.”

And then there was President Trump. In the wake of this week’s midair collision near Washington, Mr. Trump was more than happy to jump to conclusions and pull the country apart rather than together. After declaring it to be an “hour of anguish for our nation,” Mr. Trump just five minutes later let anguish give way to aggression as he blamed diversity policies promoted by Mr. Obama and former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for the crash, which killed 67 people.

Mr. Trump has never been like other presidents. He does not follow many of the rituals and traditions of his office. He practices the politics of division rather than unity. Where past presidents have sought to project a comforting, paternal presence for a stricken nation in moments of crisis, Mr. Trump’s instinct is to move quickly from grief to grievance. He has long demonstrated that he is more comfortable as the blamer in chief than consoler in chief.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton penned tributes for their late predecessor, Jimmy Carter on Sunday.

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Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. World leaders responded with an outpouring of support, celebrating Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian.

The Georgia peanut farmer turned politician served as president from 1977 to 1981. But he is perhaps most known for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House.

Carter championed human rights and pushed for peace in various corners of the world. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center to focus on such issues.

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In 2002, Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights. Carter also played an active role with Habitat for Humanity until the end of his life.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Carter’s son, Chip, said in a statement via The Carter Center on Sunday.

Biden: Carter was “a man of principle, faith, and humility”

President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he would order a state funeral in Washington for Carter.

“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,” Biden said in a statement.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden added. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”

Biden said that the love Carter shared with his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, was “the definition of partnership” and that their leadership was “the definition of patriotism.”

Trump: “We all owe him a debt of gratitude”

President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Carter’s presidency “came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

“While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” Trump said in a subsequent post.

Trump had earlier criticized Carter’s decision to hand over control of the Panama Canal to Panama, saying in a Truth Social Post on December 21 that his predecessor had “foolishly gave it away.”

The president-elect recently accused Panama of charging US vessels “exorbitant prices” and threatened to retake control of the canal.

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Former presidents and lawmakers tout Carter’s post-presidential record

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement on Sunday that Carter had “the longest and most impactful post-presidency in American history.”

“Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth,” the Obamas said.

“And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion,” the statement added.

President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2024

Former President George W. Bush said in his statement that Carter was a “man of deeply held convictions” who “set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”

“President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency,” Bush said.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that Carter had “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”

“I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” Bill Clinton said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that Carter led an “extraordinary life” that touched countless people’s lives through his vision and generosity.

As we remember President Carter’s extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity.

My thoughts are with the Carter family and all those mourning this incredible man.

May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what… pic.twitter.com/NdDU43WTGk — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 29, 2024

Sen. Bernie Sanders said on X that Carter would be remembered as a “decent, honest and down-to-earth man” for both his time as president and his later humanitarian work.

“He will be sorely missed,” Sanders wrote.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg shared a tribute to the former president on X, writing that Carter’s “leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency.”

President and Mrs. Carter were also extraordinarily gracious and kind to Chasten and me, receiving us warmly at their home and making us feel like friends even as we sat amazed by their presence and grace. pic.twitter.com/iZe4BDULht — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) December 29, 2024

Foreign politicians and business leaders hail Carter’s peacemaking efforts

On X, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a photo of the former president wearing a tool belt in front of a construction site with the message: “Today, we honor President Carter’s lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace.”

Today, we honor President Carter’s lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cXl99kT7lr — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 29, 2024

Melinda French Gates said in her tribute that Carter was her hero. The philanthropist said she knew Carter best as a “global health advocate” who took on “diseases that impact the world’s poorest people, like Guinea worm disease.”

“When President Carter left office, there were more than 3.5 million cases of this painful, debilitating disease around the world each year. This year, thanks in no small part to the work of the Carter Center, that number was down to single digits,” French Gates wrote.

“One of my favorite teachings says: ‘To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.’ We honor President Carter by remembering that because of him, life is healthier, better, and safer not just for one life, but for millions,” she continued.

Carter’s death prompted tributes from foreign leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom,” Zelenskyy said of Carter in his X post.

“We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression,” he added.

Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.

My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024

“Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it,” Trudeau wrote on X. “He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me.”

King Charles — one of the few living figures from Carter’s presidency still active in public life — also posted a tribute.

A condolence message from The King to President Biden and the American people following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/EIZqj7MZeb — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 29, 2024

In the note, Charles said Carter’s “dedication and humility served as an inspiration.”

He nodded to Carter’s 1977 visit to the UK, where Charles appeared in the background of this photo (top left, you can see his head) showing Carter meeting with G7 leaders and Queen Elizabeth II.

U.S President Joe Biden gives former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 2, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

Item 1 of 4 U.S President Joe Biden gives former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 2, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Summary Biden highlights service, courage and empathy of honorees

Citizenship is key to US democracy, Biden says

Trump critic Cheney receives standing ovation

WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) – Former Representative Liz Cheney, who bucked her Republican Party to strongly criticize President-elect Donald Trump and some of his allies, was one of 20 people awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, by President Joe Biden on Thursday.

The medal is given to Americans for their service to the country or its citizens, the White House said.

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Biden, speaking in the East Room of the White House, praised the honorees for courage, leadership, service and empathy.

“I think it’s pretty damn simple: Our democracy begins and ends with the duties of citizenship,” he said. “Our work continues.”

The presidential medals, which go through a less rigorous approval process than Medals of Honor or acts of clemency, give a president the opportunity to honor people who have fought for causes he championed.

Cheney is a one-time Republican member of Congress who served as vice chair of the House of Representatives select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.

She received a standing ovation at Thursday’s ceremony. In October, she urged Americans to reject Trump’s “depraved cruelty” as she campaigned in support of Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, who later lost to Trump.

Media reports have said Biden is considering a pre-emptive pardon to protect her from retribution by the next administration. Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, said last month he backed a call for the FBI to investigate Cheney over her role leading the congressional probe.

Other winners of the medal included Democratic Representative Bennie G. Thompson who served as the Jan. 6 House select committee chairman, attorney Mary Bonauto who argued the landmark marriage-equality case before the Supreme Court, women’s rights activist Eleanor Smeal and Evan Wolfson, a leader of the marriage-equality movement.

Veterans, health-care advocates and former lawmakers with close, decades-long ties to Biden were also on the list such as former Democratic senators Ted Kaufman, Chris Dodd and Bill Bradley.

In a separate ceremony, Biden spoke of the 235 judges he nominated who were confirmed, including a record number of women and people of color. This followed the judiciary’s ideological shift to the right during Trump’s first term as president.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the confirmations would be one of Biden’s “most consequential accomplishments.”

“The good news is that these judges will be a barrier against attacks on our democratic institutions,” he said. “These judges will have the first and often decisive impact on cases involving voting rights in elections and democracy writ large.”

Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman

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Dec 29 (Reuters) – World leaders and U.S. politicians reacted to news that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter , who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at age 100.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN

“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

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Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.”

US VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

“President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity.

Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service — as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion.”

US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP

“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

“Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.

James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”

FORMER US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AND FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON

“From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE COMMITTEE

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter should be praised for his “decades of untiring effort” to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights, the body awarding the prize said.

His work “will be remembered for another 100 years.”

U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES

“President Carter’s leadership contributed significantly to international peace and security, including the landmark Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal Treaties.

President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency. He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations.

President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity.”

POPE FRANCIS

“His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of former President Jimmy Carter and offers heartfelt condolences,” the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a statement.

“Recalling President Carter’s firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defense of human rights and the welfare of the poor and those in need, the Holy Father commends him to the infinite mercies of Almighty God and prays for the consolation of all who mourn his loss.”

CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING

“Former President Carter was the driving force behind the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and made important contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations and the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries,” Xinhua state news agency cited Xi as saying in a message of “deep condolences” sent to U.S. President Biden.

EGYPT PRESIDENT ABDEL FATTAH AL-SISI

“(President Carter’s) significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world’s most prominent leaders in service to humanity.”

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

“Deeply saddened by the passing of former USA President Mr. Jimmy Carter. A statesman of great vision, he worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony. His contributions to fostering strong India-U.S. ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of the US.”

GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ

The United States had “lost a committed fighter for democracy. The world has lost a great mediator for peace in the Middle East and for human rights.”

SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter who we remember as an outstanding, compassionate leader and champion of human rights and peace globally.

Item 1 of 2 A couple stands in front of The Carter Presidential Center’s sign, after the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage [1/2] A couple stands in front of The Carter Presidential Center’s sign, after the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

Jimmy Carter was an outspoken critic of the apartheid state at a time when the regime was trying to ingratiate itself with influential economies around the world and justify its inhumane policies.”

HUNGARIAN PM VIKTOR ORBAN

“The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70’s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time.”

US SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN

“Throughout decades of public service, President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the freedom, security, and welfare of others.

He channeled that spirit in his foreign policy, from negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation, to developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union…”

BRITAIN’S KING CHARLES

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.

His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.”

CANADA’S PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU

“Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me.”

PANAMA’S PRESIDENT JOSE RAUL MULINO

“I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and Government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His stint in the White House was marked by difficult times, and were crucial for Panama in negotiating and signing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which transferred the (Panama) Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign. May his soul rest in peace.”

VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO

“Former President Carter was a man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue. His contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world.”

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

“Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

“President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted.”

VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JD VANCE

“Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.”

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the American people and to the family of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on his passing. He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom.

He devoted his life to promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. Today, let us remember: peace matters, and the world must remain united in standing against those who threaten these values.”

CUBAN PRESIDENT MIGUEL DIAZ-CANEL

“Condolences to the people and the government of the U.S., and especially the family of President James Carter. Our people remember with gratitude his efforts to better relations, his visits to #Cuba and his speaking out in favor of the release of the Five.”

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER

“Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter.

President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.”

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

“I was very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service…

Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”

US SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL

“President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.”

US HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON

“Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.”

Compiled by Diane Craft and Don Durfee; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Rod Nickel, Michael Perry, Sharon Singleton and Gareth Jones

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