Karen Pence refused to acknowledge the presence of Donald Trump and Melania Trump during the funeral of President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.

The event marked the first encounter between former Vice President Mike Pence and Donald Trump since their fallout after the Capitol unrest of January 6, 2021, as the Daily Mail reports, and at appears that Mrs. Pence's bitterness over the fallout remains.

During the solemn occasion honoring the late President Carter, Karen Pence remained seated as the Trumps arrived and took their places. This quiet yet pointed lack of engagement drew attention, symbolizing the tension that still exists between the Pence and Trump families.

Observers noted that Karen Pence’s decision not to acknowledge the Trumps was a clear continuation of hostilities that began years prior.

In contrast, Mike Pence did engage in a brief exchange with Donald Trump, shaking hands after former Vice President Al Gore had done the same. This moment marked their first public interaction since the tumultuous early days of 2021. The public nature of the meeting at such a prominent event highlighted the significance of their strained relationship.

Historical Context of the Ongoing Feud

The origins of the fallout between these political figures trace back to the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. On that day, Trump exerted pressure on Pence to disregard electoral votes from states won by Joe Biden, a course of action that Pence ultimately resisted. This refusal was a decisive moment, leading to the fracture between Trump and Pence.

The Capitol protest not only brought violence and chaos but also personal threats against Pence, encapsulated by the chants from rioters demanding to "hang" him.

The situation escalated to the point where a source from the Proud Boys reportedly informed the FBI of their intentions to harm Pence had they encountered him during the riot.

Amid the turmoil, Pence found refuge in a secure location within the Capitol. Testimony from his legal advisor, Greg Jacob, revealed Pence's conscious decision to avoid any appearance of fleeing the Capitol building during the chaos.

According to Jacob, “The vice president did not want to take any chance that the world would see the vice president of the United States fleeing.”

Political Realignments and New Alliances

The events of Jan. 6 not only affected personal relations but also played a significant role in the evolving political landscape leading up to the 2024 election cycle. Although Pence launched a campaign against Trump for the Republican nomination, he bowed out by October 2023, seeking neither endorsement nor allegiance to Trump or Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris.

Subsequently, Trump moved forward with a reshuffled ticket, naming Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate. Meanwhile, despite stepping back from active candidacy, Pence's political action committee remained influential, channeling efforts to garner support for Republicans in the 2024 contest.

On the anniversary of the Capitol unrest, which would have been four years to the day, Pence acknowledged Harris's role in overseeing the congressional certification of Trump's presidential victory.

“It was particularly admirable that Vice President Harris would preside over the certification of a presidential election that she lost,” Pence stated, extending recognition to his former political opponents.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Pence also expressed his aspiration for a return to stability and decorum in political proceedings. He congratulated Donald Trump and J.D. Vance for their electoral success, articulating a sentiment of goodwill despite past differences. "I welcome the return of order and civility to these historic proceedings," Pence shared, along with prayers for the forthcoming administration.

The demonstration of tensions at President Carter's funeral underscored the deeply personal and political rifts that persist. Observers of the incident noted how the actions of Karen Pence -- her pointed decision to remain seated -- communicated more than words perhaps could in the context of ongoing enmity with the Trumps.

As political landscapes continue to evolve, the events surrounding Carter’s funeral serve as a reminder of the underlying currents that shape interactions, alliances, and divides at the highest echelons of power in the United States.

This complex web of political history, personal convictions, and future ambitions continues to unfold, with interest from both the public and media spheres still high.