Why is "President Carter" trending? Jimmy Carter's death hoax goes viral 2 days before his 100th birthday

In a bizarre twist of online rumor and social media speculation, former President Jimmy Carter has become a trending topic. News of a death hoax has gone viral just two days before his much-anticipated 100th birthday on October 1, 2024.

On September 29, 2024, users on X (formerly Twitter) noted that whenever President Jimmy Carter trends on the platform, there is a widespread assumption that he has passed away.

The recent surge in discussions about President Carter began after President Joe Biden publicly wished him a happy 100th birthday in a statement released through CBS News. Following his message, a wave of reactions flooded X, leading to President Carter's trending on the platform again.

Some reactions indicated that users speculated about President Carter's well-being upon seeing his name trend, leading many to assume that he had passed away. This speculation has caused discomfort among his supporters.

"Saw President Carter was trending and I thought that, died just two days before turning 100," one X user commented.

"I saw President Carter was trending and was wandering if they were finally going to announce his death," another person said.

"stop having president carter trending i keep thinking he died," one person wrote.

"Every time President Carter is trending on this app, I think he died," one netizen said.

Amid the death hoax, numerous reactions on X expressed heartfelt wishes for the former 39th U.S. President, emphasizing his status as a patriot and veteran. Many users conveyed their support, affirming that he is still with us and celebrating his significant contributions to the nation.

"President Carter is trending. He is STILL WITH US. He is 100 years old on Tuesday. He is a patriot. He is a humanitarian. He is a veteran. He is a National Treasure. Happy early birthday, Mr. President," one person wrote.

"Happy 100th Birthday, President Carter!" another person said.

"Happy Hundredth Birthday to President Jimmy Carter--October 1, 2024," another X user said.

The United States prepares to celebrate President Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday. Following the rumors and wishes, the former President has not issued any statement yet.

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Joe Biden honors Jimmy Carter's legacy

On September 29, 2024, President Joe Biden shared a heartfelt message for Jimmy Carter with CBS News. In a video message, Biden began suggesting that President Carter's ideals and values continue to inspire and guide him in his pursuits.

"Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us," Biden said.

Wishing President Carter the best, Joe Biden further suggested that he had been moral for the nation and a voice of "courage, conviction and compassion" for all.

"Mr. President, you've always been a moral force for our nation and the world. I recognized that as a young senator," Biden added.

Former President Carter (Image by Diana Walker/Getty Images)

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, and served as the President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. According to the White House, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

Carter focused on human rights, energy conservation, and diplomacy during his tenure. Even after leaving the White House, Jimmy Carter continued his extensive humanitarian work and co-founded the Carter Center, focusing on global health, disease eradication, and democratic governance.

Carter's presidency ended on January 20, 1981, and he left after losing the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan. As of 2024, Jimmy Carter is the longest-living former U.S. president, per Statista.