Mike Pence added fuel to the speculation that his wife deliberately disregarded Donald Trump during Jimmy Carter’s funeral this week.
In an interview with Christianity Today, the former vice president seemed to indirectly allude to Karen Pence’s disapproval of the president-elect when asked why she did not acknowledge Trump and his spouse, Melania.
“You’d have to inquire with my wife about her stance,” he remarked, “but we’ve been married for 44 years, and she cares deeply for her husband, who holds her in high regard.”
Pence served as Trump’s vice president during his initial term, but the relationship soured after Pence declined to back Trump’s attempts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Carter’s memorial marked the first occasion they met face-to-face since leaving office in January 2021.
The two were seen engaged in a handshake, but now Pence has shared with Christianity Today the details of their exchange.
“He welcomed me as he approached down the aisle,” Pence recounted. “I stood, offered my hand. He took my hand. I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President,’ and he replied, ‘Thanks, Mike.’”
However, Pence’s wife did not stand—or even glance in the president-elect’s direction—when Trump came near. She did, however, acknowledge former President George W. Bush and his spouse, Laura.
Karen Pence wasn’t the only political spouse being observed at the occasion. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, who was expected to sit next to the president-elect, was conspicuously missing.
A spokesperson for her informed Politico that she was in Hawaii and had to miss the service due to a scheduling issue.
Her spouse, former President Barack Obama, took her place instead—sharing laughs as he conversed with the man he has frequently criticized.
