Presidential Families Weekend Forum - Saturday, February 14, 2026

Amy Carter, born October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia, is the daughter of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She spent much of her early childhood in Georgia until her father was elected governor, and later, president. When the Carters moved into the White House in 1977, Amy became one of the few young children to live there since the Kennedy era, drawing national attention for her down-to-earth personality, love of books, and the presence of her Siamese cat, Misty Malarky Ying Yang.

After leaving Washington in 1981, Carter returned to a more private life. She attended several schools, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Memphis College of Art and a master’s degree from Tulane University. While in college, she became known for her political activism, particularly her involvement in protests against U.S. foreign policy in Central America and apartheid in South Africa. In a highly publicized 1987 trial following a protest at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she was acquitted—further cementing her image as a passionate and principled activist.

In adulthood, Amy Carter has maintained a relatively low public profile. She married James Wentzel in 1996 and later had a son, Hugo. While she has largely avoided the spotlight, she has contributed illustrations to some of her father’s books and remains connected to the Carter family’s humanitarian legacy. Today, she is known for her quiet dedication to family life and her continued support of the values of peace, human rights, and social justice that shaped her earlier activism.

James Carter IV is a grandson of President Jimmy Carter, born to James Earl “Chip” Carter III and his first wife. Raised within the extended Carter family, he grew up in an environment deeply shaped by public service, political awareness, and civic engagement. Although he has maintained a largely private personal life, James became known professionally for his interest in political research and investigative work.

He rose to national visibility during the 2012 U.S. presidential election, when he played a key role in bringing to light the now-famous “47 percent” video of candidate Mitt Romney. At the time, James was conducting political opposition research and connected with the individual who had secretly recorded Romney’s remarks. His efforts ultimately helped bring the footage to the attention of Mother Jones magazine, where it became one of the most consequential political stories of the campaign.

Outside this high-profile moment, James Carter IV has continued working in political research, with a focus on energy, the environment, and transparency in politics. Though not a public figure in the traditional sense, he remains part of the wider Carter family’s legacy of civic involvement, contributing to public discourse in ways that reflect the analytical and service-oriented values associated with his family.

Josh Carter is the fourth grandchild of President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. He is married to his middle school sweetheart, Sarah Carter, and they have two boys—Charlie and Jonathan.

Josh is the co-founder and CEO of The VEO-IBD Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to parents and caregivers of children with Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Josh is also the host and producer of the Unchanging Principles podcast, where he talks about his life and the lessons he learned from his presidential family. Additionally, he continues his grandmother Rosalynn Carter’s advocacy for family caregivers. Josh is one of the 53 million Americans who have interrupted their lives to care for a loved one. He speaks around the country on the challenges of caregiving, most recently at George Washington University, the Times Center in New York, the United Nations, WABE, the Today Show, and at the White House during the Biden administration. Josh shares his and his grandmother’s caregiving stories in Bradley Cooper’s new PBS documentary Caregiving.

Josh has spent his life watching his grandparents build and run The Carter Center in Atlanta. He is on The Carter Center’s Board of Councilors, and he volunteers for The Carter Center often. In April of 2025, he traveled to Liberia to transition Africa’s first homegrown mental health program from The Carter Center’s care to the Liberian government. Josh speaks on his grandparents’ behalf extensively, including at US Navy events, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and President Carter’s state funeral at the National Cathedral. Josh is dedicated to elevating the principles that his grandparents taught him about service, duty, democracy, human rights, and peace.

Susan Ford Bales, born July 6, 1957, is the youngest child and only daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. She spent her teenage years in the public eye when her father assumed the presidency in 1974, becoming one of the few high-school students to live in the White House. Susan often helped document life there, even serving as an unofficial White House photographer during her senior year—an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in photography.

After leaving the White House, Ford Bales pursued a career in photojournalism, studying at the University of Kansas and later working for several major outlets. Beyond her professional work, she became an influential public advocate, particularly in areas connected to her mother’s legacy. Following Betty Ford’s example, she has been deeply involved with the Betty Ford Center, serving on its board and helping to support substance-abuse treatment and recovery programs. Her dedication to this work has made her a respected voice in health advocacy.

In later years, Susan Ford Bales has continued to honor her family’s legacy through public service and ceremonial roles. She served as the ship’s sponsor for the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), participating in its christening and commissioning—a role that symbolizes her ongoing connection to her father’s history. She is also the author of two young-adult novels. Today, she remains active in public life, combining her interests in education, history, and health advocacy while preserving the memory of her parents’ contributions to the nation.

Clifton Truman Daniel, born June 5, 1957, is the eldest grandson of President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. He is the son of author Margaret Truman and journalist Clifton Daniel, and grew up between New York City and visits to Independence, Missouri, where he developed a deep connection to his grandparents’ legacy. Despite his famous family, Daniel’s childhood was intentionally kept grounded; President Truman was known for treating his grandchildren like any other kids, emphasizing humility and responsibility.

As an adult, Daniel built a career in communications and public service. He worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, then later became director of public relations for Truman College in Chicago. In addition to his professional work, he has devoted significant energy to preserving and sharing the Truman legacy. Daniel has written and spoken extensively about his grandparents, offering personal insights into the 33rd president’s life and character. He also serves as an honorary chairman of the board of the Truman Library Institute, supporting educational and historical programs.

In recent years, Daniel has expanded his public engagement through acting and storytelling. He has portrayed President Truman on stage and has participated in historical reenactments and public programs that bring Truman-era history to life. His work continues to blend education, performance, and personal memory, allowing him to honor his family while helping new generations connect with the history and values of President Truman’s era.

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 that serves to preserve the Truman Little White House as Florida’s only presidential museum, sharing the history of the American Presidency and supporting civic engagement, education and the historic and cultural influences of the Truman era.