Karen Pence Missing as Hubby Shows Up to Inauguration

Karen Pence
Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Karen Pence did not appear alongside her husband when he arrived at Donald Trump’s inauguration.

It’s the second Trump snubbing by the former second lady in as many weeks after she infamously refused to greet the couple at Jimmy Carter’s funeral—a decision that earned her equal praise and ridicule by MAGA and Democrats.

Also notably skipping Monday’s inauguration is the former first lady Michelle Obama.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mike Pence, despite his treatment in the final weeks of Trump’s first term, greeted his former running mate at Carter’s funeral and appeared to be in good spirits at his second inauguration.

Karen, 68, is apparently less forgiving over how her husband was treated by Trump. The president infamously expelled him from MAGA—and was accused of contributing to him being physically threatened by rioters on Jan. 6, 2021—for not buying into his fake electors plot.

If Karen were searching for an excuse—besides her suspected disdain for Trump—she might blame her absence on jet lag. She accompanied her husband on a trip to Taiwan over the weekend, which is an eye-popping 7,711 miles away from her native Indiana as the crow flies.

In a statement about the visit, Pence asked that the Trump administration “renew our commitment to provide Taiwan with the support it needs to defend itself and its freedom.”

Mike Pence shares a moment with Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, before the Monday’s inauguration. / Julia Demaree Nikhinson / via REUTERS
Mike Pence shares a moment with Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, before the Monday’s inauguration. / Julia Demaree Nikhinson / via REUTERS

Pence also made a statement Monday that said he was “praying for President Trump and Vice President Vance as they assume the awesome responsibility of leading this great Nation.” He shook hands with Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, before he found his seat.

“This is a day when every American does well to celebrate our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States,” he added.