At the funeral of President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral, Karen Pence’s actions toward former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were notably cold. As the Trumps arrived, Karen, seated next to her husband, former Vice President Mike Pence, remained in place and made no attempt to acknowledge Melania, despite the close working relationship they had shared during the Trump administration.
In contrast, Mike Pence greeted Donald Trump with a handshake, following a similar gesture from former Vice President Al Gore. This was their first public interaction since January 2021, when tensions between Trump and Pence reached a breaking point after the January 6 Capitol riot.
The rift between the two men began when Trump pressed Pence to reject the Electoral College results during the certification of the 2020 election. As the presiding officer of the Senate, Pence had a constitutional duty to oversee the certification process. Trump’s request to overturn the election results put Pence in an impossible position. Ultimately, Pence chose to uphold the law, much to Trump’s displeasure.
This decision enraged Trump’s supporters, who stormed the Capitol, chanting “hang Mike Pence” and constructing a makeshift gallows outside. The danger to Pence was real, with testimony later revealing that a Proud Boys informant had told the FBI that the group would have killed Pence if they had found him. Despite the threat, Pence remained at the Capitol, refusing to abandon his post and putting country above personal safety.
Since leaving office, Pence has struggled to find his place in the political landscape. His brief bid for the 2024 Republican nomination faltered, and by October 2023, he exited the race as Trump remained the dominant figure in the party. Pence did not endorse Trump, yet also refused to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Instead, his political action committee has focused on promoting conservative values and backing Republican candidates.
On the anniversary of January 6, Pence praised Vice President Harris for overseeing the certification of the 2020 election results, calling her participation “admirable” even though she had opposed the outcome. Pence also took the opportunity to express support for Trump and his new running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, sending his best wishes for their election.
Despite the strained relationship between Pence and Trump, both men continue to advocate for the conservative cause. Their differences are a reflection of the wider divisions within American politics, yet their shared commitment to the values of liberty, order, and constitutional governance remains clear.
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Karen Pence branded ‘rude’ for refusing to stand up to shake hands and greet President Trump and Melania.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 9, 2025
Her husband, Mike Pence and Al Gore both rose to greet Trump and shake hands. pic.twitter.com/68C4vJs5Bq