Karen Pence, the wife of former Vice President Mike Pence, refused to shake the hand of Donald Trump’s wife after she arrived at the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter
During Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Melania Trump was given the cold shoulder by Karen Pence, wife of former Vice President Mike Pence, who pointedly refused to shake both her and Donald Trump’s hands.
The snub occurred at the Washington National Cathedral, where all five living US presidents gathered to pay their respects to the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100.
Political tensions were palpable as Karen Pence chose not to acknowledge the newly elected president and his wife, Melania. This highlighted the rift that formed following Trump’s election defeat on January 6, 2021. While Mike Pence rose to greet Trump, Karen remained seated, turning away and ignoring Melania’s offered hand.
Footage of their interaction hit the internet, leaving fans shocked at Karen’s rude behavior and snub. One Trump fan reposted the NewsNation coverage of the snub on X and captioned it: “Disgusting. Karen Pence remains seated while President Trump and Melania walk up to greet them.” Others agreed with the poster, commenting: “Totally classless and definitely not what Jesus would do!! As a Christian, @KarenPence should be ashamed!! @MELANIATRUMP is a wonderful lady and deserves much respect; she will be America’s First Lady in a few days,” one person wrote. Another said: “Well, when you have no class, it always shows.”
Viewers believe the public response would’ve been much worse had it been for Melania and Donald refusing to acknowledge the Pences. “Imagine the uproar if Trump didn’t greet them,” someone pointed out. MAGA supporters also claimed that Trump was the only person during the interaction who didn’t look awkward as he shook Pence’s hand, stating: “The only one that looks comfortable is Trump, the GOAT being himself!
The unusual meeting of former presidents provided a rare moment of unity in an increasingly divided and partisan era. They convened privately before the service commenced, although the women didn’t speak.
Trump was spotted conversing with former President Barack Obama for several minutes as well. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the November election, arrived later but did not engage with him.
