Karen Pence Refuses to Greet Donald Trump as Husband Mike Offers Him a Handshake at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

Former second lady Karen Pence distanced herself from Donald Trump during a brief encounter on Thursday, Jan. 9, appearing uninterested in reconnecting with her husband's estranged ex-boss.

When President-elect Trump, 78, arrived with Melania Trump at the state funeral for Jimmy Carter on Thursday, former Vice President Mike Pence, 65, stood to shake hands and exchange brief words with the couple.

Related: Donald Trump and Mike Pence Shake Hands During First Interaction in Nearly 4 Years

The interaction marked the first time the former president and vice president had seen each other in nearly four years.

But while her husband greeted the Trumps, Karen, 68, remained seated, staring straight ahead and declining to acknowledge their proximity in a seemingly tense moment that was caught on tape.

The tension between the Trumps and Pences was fueled by the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, when then-President Trump took to X, accusing his vice president of lacking “the courage” to do as he was told and refuse to certify the electoral college votes.

This tweet subsequently led to Trump’s supporters storming the U.S. Capitol with the hopes of stopping the certification.

Vice President Pence narrowly avoided the mob as some chanted, “Hang Mike Pence!”

Related: Supreme Court Says Donald Trump Is Partially Immune from Prosecution: What That Means for His Jan. 6 Charges

In 2023, Pence said that “[Trump’s] reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day.” He added, “I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable."

Later that year, Trump called Pence “delusional” and “not a very good person.”

Related: Mike Pence's Wife Karen Speaks: On the Campaign, Trump & 'False' Stories She Doesn't Support Him

Before the insurrection, Karen campaigned for Trump’s reelection, speaking positively about him and denying “false” claims that she didn’t support him.

“I just feel like I want to do my part,” she told the Associated Press in 2020 before embarking on a solo campaign trip back to her and her husband’s home state of Indiana.

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At another event in 2020, she said campaigning was “so exciting.” She added, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Pence — I have to put his name in there, too — we are getting things done.”

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