Mike Pence reveals what he said to Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral

SUMMARY

Former Vice President Mike Pence detailed his first meeting with President-elect Donald Trump since 2021 at former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral. Pence described the brief exchange during a podcast with Christianity Today, saying, “He greeted me when he came down the aisle. I stood up, extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President,’ and he said, ‘Thanks, Mike.’” Pence viewed the interaction as a step toward moving past their strained relationship following the 2020 election controversy, however former second lady Karen Pence, who was seated next to her husband, did not stand up or acknowledge Trump. Pence also reflected on the public response to their handshake, noting, “In that handshake, [people] saw some hope that we might be moving past those difficult days.” He also recounted a tense 2021 conversation in which Trump declined an offer for prayer, saying, “Don’t bother.”