Do Americans Get Off Work for Jimmy Carter's National Day of Mourning?

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President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Monday declaring January 9 a national day of mourning for the late President Jimmy Carter.

Most federal employees will have the day off from work on January 9 but not all. Americans who don't work for the federal government will not have the day off because it isn't a national holiday.

The Context

Carter will receive a state funeral on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral.

Biden said in his executive order that "all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States."

But there are some exceptions. According to the order, "the heads of executive departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations...must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty...for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need."

What To Know

Carter died Sunday at his home in Georgia, his son James, who goes by Chip, said in a statement.

"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," the statement said.

"My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs."

Carter, who was 100 years old, was the nation's oldest living president. He was also the first chief executive to become a centenarian.

Elected president in 1976, he served one term before losing to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election. Among other things, his presidency centered on rebuilding trust in the federal government. After leaving office, Carter went on to cement his legacy as a devoted activist and humanitarian.

Following his death on Sunday, condolences and tributes poured in from leaders in the U.S. and across the world.

What People Are Saying

President Joe Biden called Carter a "dear friend" in a statement. He saidthat Carter "saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe. 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."

President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "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."

Former President Barack Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "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."

Former President George W. Bush called Carter a "man of deeply held convictions," saying in a statement: "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 President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement posted to X: "Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end.... Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. 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."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: "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."