President-elect Donald Trump and his estranged former vice president Mike Pence crossed paths at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in Washington on Thursday. The gathering included current and former administrations, marking a rare public interaction between the two Republican leaders.
Trump and Pence’s relationship had become strained following the end of Trump’s first term, spanning from 2017 to 2021. Despite Pence’s loyal service during that period, tensions arose when he declined Trump’s demand to overturn the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021, a day marred by the storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.
At the funeral, Pence was seated behind Trump, who occupied the second row alongside other former presidents and first ladies, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were positioned in the front row, reflecting a gathering of political figures from both sides of the aisle.
Former Vice President Al Gore found himself seated next to Pence, adding to the mix of political dynamics on display. As Trump took his place in the row ahead of the service, interactions unfolded between the attendees. Notably, Gore and Trump exchanged handshakes, followed by Pence acknowledging Trump with a handshake as well. The encounter appeared cordial but reserved, with little emotion evident on their faces.
In a separate exchange, Trump engaged in conversation with Obama, with the latter displaying a mix of seriousness and a moment of shared laughter. Pence, however, maintained his stance of not endorsing Trump during the previous presidential election, which ultimately saw Trump victorious over Harris.
The events of January 6 loomed large over the gathering, as Pence’s decision not to delay or disrupt the certification of Biden’s victory drew sharp criticism from Trump, particularly during the Capitol riot. The incident, where some rioters called for harm to Pence, left a lasting impact on the former vice president, who highlighted the danger he faced that day. Pence subsequently urged Republican primary voters to consider alternatives to Trump in the 2020 presidential race.
The interactions at the funeral underscored the complexities and nuances of political relationships, especially in the aftermath of divisive events. The brief encounters between Trump, Pence, and other notable figures served as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and personal dynamics in the political sphere.
This report was filed by Stephanie Kelly in Washington, with editing by Heather Timmons and Alistair Bell, adhering to journalistic standards of accuracy and impartiality.
