Fox News liberal commentator Jessica Tarlov stirred controversy with her remarks about Karen Pence’s apparent avoidance of Melania Trump during former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Tarlov, on “The Five,” described the moment when Karen Pence seemingly ignored the Trumps as one of her “favorite moments” of the event. Tarlov suggested that Karen Pence’s behavior reflected her disapproval of Donald Trump, particularly citing his alleged support for the idea of hanging his then-vice president, Mike Pence, following the 2020 election. This claim, attributed to former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson, has been disputed, with Trump denying any such comments.

Tarlov’s remarks sparked backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of promoting disrespect for the Trumps and her comments being perceived as overly judgmental. Some users criticized her for admiring the situation, while others found fault with the way she framed the Pences’ actions. In contrast, Mike Pence later shared that he appreciated the handshake he had with Trump at the funeral, calling it a positive moment, and expressed hope that it symbolized moving past difficult times. He also emphasized the strong respect and love between him and his wife, Karen, despite any public gestures or actions during the funeral.