Here’s what Pence said to Trump.
At a recent funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Mike Pence and President-elect Donald Trump briefly exchanged greetings, marking the first time the two men had been in the same room since leaving office in January 2021.
Pence recalled the encounter during an interview with Christianity Today, explaining that Trump had approached him as he walked down the aisle. Pence stood up, extended his hand, and said, “Congratulations, Mr. President.” Trump responded with a simple “Thanks, Mike.” It was a moment of cordiality between two former political allies whose relationship had been strained after the events of January 6, 2021, when Pence refused Trump’s request to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The interaction, while brief, was significant for many conservatives who viewed it as a sign that the two men might be able to move past their differences. Pence expressed his hope that the handshake could serve as an example of reconciliation, saying, “I’ve been really blessed by how many people have said they saw that handshake as a sign of hope, that we can move forward.”
Despite this moment of civility, the tensions between the two men have not disappeared. Pence has been vocal about his refusal to bend to Trump’s pressure on January 6th, insisting that his constitutional duty was to certify the election results, not to overturn them. He also made it clear that, despite briefly running in the 2024 GOP primary, he would not be endorsing Trump.
When asked about his wife Karen’s decision to remain seated and not interact with Trump, Pence explained that after 44 years of marriage, his wife’s support for him was unwavering. The Pences sat a row behind Trump, who was accompanied by former President Barack Obama, and reflected on the extraordinary nature of the moment.
For many Republicans, this encounter represents a delicate balance between personal loyalty and political conviction—a reminder that while the GOP has its divisions, there remains hope for unity moving forward.