Former Vice President Mike Pence shared details of his brief interaction with President-elect Donald Trump during former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at the National Cathedral.
The moment, which marked their first public encounter since leaving the White House amid tensions over the 2020 election, was captured on camera.
Pence stood to shake Trump’s hand, exchanging pleasantries. Former second lady Karen Pence, seated beside her husband, neither stood nor acknowledged Trump.
In an interview with Christianity Today, Pence revealed he “welcomed” the chance to speak with Trump, recounting the exchange: “He greeted me when he came down the aisle.
I stood up and extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President,’ and he said, ‘Thanks, Mike.’”
Pence also reflected on a final 2021 conversation with Trump, recalling his commitment to pray for the former president.
According to Pence, Trump dismissively responded, “Don’t bother.” Pence told the outlet, “I said, ‘You know, there’s probably two things that we’re never going to agree on: my duty under the Constitution on Jan. 6, and I’m never going to stop praying for you.’ He said, ‘That’s right, Mike, don’t ever change.’”
Pence affirmed that he kept his promise.
While their interaction at the funeral remained cordial, Pence expressed reservations about Trump’s recent personnel choices, saying he did not support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership at Health and Human Services or Tulsi Gabbard’s role as national intelligence director.
Fox News Digital contacted Trump and Advancing American Freedom, Pence’s public policy advocacy group, but no immediate responses were provided.
