On Thursday, January 9, during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, an unexpected incident involving Karen Pence, the spouse of former Vice President Mike Pence, ignited significant controversy online. This occurred when she declined to extend the customary gesture of shaking hands with Melania Trump. The situation was particularly striking as it unfolded within the Washington National Cathedral, a venue associated with the Christian faith, thereby amplifying the perceived slight from Karen Pence, who is expected to embody Christian values.
The incident was captured on video as President-elect Donald Trump and his elegantly dressed wife, Melania, arrived at the National Cathedral for the service. Notably, this marked one of their first significant public appearances together following Trump’s victory in the November 2024 election, during which Melania had maintained a relatively low profile.
As they entered, Melania approached Karen Pence in an attempt to greet her with a handshake. Rather than reciprocating this gesture, Karen Pence remained seated, turned away, and declined to engage, which many viewed as a considerable affront to the incoming First Lady, especially given the public setting of a church.
In contrast, Melania chose not to respond to the perceived slight with hostility. Demonstrating remarkable composure and poise, she simply offered a polite yet cool smile to Karen Pence and chose to overlook the discourteous gesture made towards her within the National Cathedral.
The incident was rendered even more unnecessary and distasteful by the fact that former Vice President Pence engaged in handshakes with both Melania and Donald Trump. While her husband feigned cordiality with the Trumps, participating in the customary gestures of politeness by shaking hands and smiling, Karen chose to remain seated and turned away from Melania when the opportunity for a handshake arose.
As anticipated, this event ignited significant outrage online. Leading the criticism was the Johnny MAGA X account, known for its pro-Trump perspective and commentary on current events. The account remarked on a video of the incident, stating, “Classless move on behalf of Karen Pence. There was no need for this whatsoever.”
Commenters expressed their indignation, particularly highlighting the absence of Christian grace and charity, with remarks such as, “Is Karen Pence supposed to embody the strong Christian values that Mike frequently claims? Shameful!!” and “It’s often those who boast the loudest about their Christianity who behave in this manner.”
Another commenter pointed out that, regardless of the political context, Melania had not warranted such rude and disrespectful treatment. This individual stated, “Just a reminder of who they truly are. There is no one less deserving of mistreatment than Melania.”
Additionally, another commenter observed that, despite the insults directed at her, Melania maintained her characteristic class and grace, writing, “All I see is our new First Lady carrying herself with Class & Eloquence as always.” Another individual remarked on Karen’s lack of decorum, noting, “The only words exchanged from Pence and Gore were ‘Happy New Year’ to Trump and our soon-to-be beautiful First Lady Melania. That was sufficient. The fact that Christian Karen Pence could not even extend those basic courtesies speaks volumes.”
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