Fox News liberal commentator Jessica Tarlov has stirred controversy with her comments about Karen Pence’s apparent lack of interaction with Melania Trump during former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Tarlov, a co-host of The Five, highlighted the moment when Karen Pence seemed to avoid eye contact or acknowledgment of the Trumps, calling it one of her “favorite moments” of the event.
While Melania Trump maintained her composure with a gracious smile, the perceived snub reignited discussions about the reportedly strained relationship between the Trumps and the Pences.
During the segment, Tarlov pointed out two moments that stood out to her: the camaraderie between former President George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and Karen Pence’s apparent refusal to engage with the Trumps. “Two favorite moments, definitely [George] W. doing the little tummy pat on Obama, showing a real camaraderie between them.
I thought that was very sweet. And the most interesting person to me was Karen Pence, who would not look up at Trump,” Tarlov said. She went on to speculate about Karen Pence’s demeanor, suggesting it might have been a reaction to past tensions. “She was head down, like, ‘If you think my husband should have been hanged for certifying the election results, I have no time for you,’” Tarlov remarked, referencing claims made by former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson.
However, Hutchinson’s allegations—that President Trump expressed support for “hanging” Mike Pence—have been disputed. ABC News noted that Hutchinson made the claim “without providing further evidence,” and Trump has vehemently denied ever making such a statement. Additionally, Hutchinson’s other claims, such as Trump allegedly attempting to “commandeer” the presidential limo on January 6, 2021, have also been debunked.
Tarlov concluded her commentary by noting that while Mike Pence did shake hands with Trump, Karen Pence’s behavior stood out. “You know, Mike Pence obviously got up and shook hands, but that’s my take,” she said.
Her remarks quickly drew backlash on social media, with many users criticizing her for what they saw as an unnecessary focus on drama. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Admiring of disrespect for Trump,” while another quipped, “Tummy pat? What is she, a toddler?” Others accused Tarlov of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” with one commenter writing, “Long TDS,” a play on “long COVID” and the term often used to describe intense anti-Trump sentiment. Another user expressed frustration with Fox News for airing Tarlov’s commentary, calling her “intellectually inferior” and criticizing Karen Pence’s behavior as “small and mean.”
Meanwhile, Mike Pence addressed his interaction with Trump during the funeral, describing it as a positive moment. Speaking to Christianity Today Editor-in-Chief Russell Moore for a podcast episode set to air later in the week, Pence said, “The opportunity to speak to the president yesterday is something that I appreciated, I welcomed.”
He added that many people had reached out to him, expressing hope that the handshake symbolized a move toward healing after the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021. “I’ve really been blessed at how much I’ve heard from people around the country who saw [our] handshake and, in that handshake, saw some hope that we might be moving past those difficult days,” Pence said. “That’s certainly my hope.”
Pence recounted the brief exchange, saying, “Trump 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.’” When asked about Karen Pence’s posture during the event, Pence responded diplomatically, “You’d have to ask my wife about her posture, but we’ve been married 44 years, and she loves her husband, and her husband respects her deeply.”
The funeral service itself featured several notable moments, including a conversation between former President Barack Obama and Donald Trump that took place within earshot of Vice President Kamala Harris. While the event was intended to honor the legacy of Jimmy Carter, the interactions between political figures inevitably drew attention, highlighting the lingering tensions and complexities within American politics. Tarlov’s commentary, while divisive, underscores how even moments of solemnity can become flashpoints in the ongoing cultural and political debates of the day.