President-elect Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, had their first public interaction in four years at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Thursday. The event took place at Washington, D.C.'s National Cathedral, where Pence stood up to shake Trump's hand upon his arrival. The two exchanged greetings and exchanged a few words before Pence also shook hands with former first lady Melania Trump.
However, former second lady Karen Pence, seated next to her husband, did not stand up to greet Trump or acknowledge him during the encounter. This reunion marked the first time Trump and Pence were seen together publicly since their departure from the White House on strained terms four years ago, following disagreements over the 2020 presidential election results and Trump's legal challenges.
Pence briefly entered the 2024 presidential primary against Trump but withdrew in October 2023 without endorsing him. Over the years, both men have publicly criticized each other, with Trump calling Pence 'delusional' in 2023, and Pence stating he could not endorse Trump in good conscience.
The funeral also brought together all living former U.S. presidents, including President Biden and former Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump, for the first time since the 2018 funeral of former President George H.W. Bush. Former Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Al Gore were also present at the event, marking a rare gathering of the so-called presidents' club.
