Trump Snubbed by Former Leaders at Carter Funeral, Sparks Outrage Among MAGA Supporters
REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer
President-elect Donald Trump faced a chilly reception on Thursday as former leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor former President Jimmy Carter at his state funeral. The perceived slights from several prominent figures drew immediate backlash from Trump’s MAGA supporters.
The TruthSocial group Citizen Free Press noted that former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, declined to shake Trump’s hand, opting instead for a playful shoulder tap with former President Barack Obama. While Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence did greet him with a handshake, Karen Pence remained seated and refused to acknowledge the president-elect.
The snubs ignited outrage online, with Trump loyalists flooding comment sections with attacks on the former presidents. Many accused the younger Bush of being part of the so-called “deep state.” Far-right social media influencer “CatTurd” criticized Karen Pence’s actions, calling them “pathetic,” and amplified a story from a pro-Trump conspiracy website.
Adding to the tension, some Trump supporters spread false claims about President Joe Biden allegedly falling asleep during the funeral. Far-right host Benny Johnson shared a misleading photo showing others, including George and Laura Bush as well as Karen Pence, with their eyes closed. Critics responded with screenshots showing Trump appearing to do the same.
Fox News host Sean Hannity also weighed in, expressing outrage over Michelle Obama’s absence from the event. Former Trump strategist Steve Cortes added fuel to the fire by sharing a video of Obama laughing at something Trump said, remarking, “President Trump got the last laugh.”
Speculation about Michelle Obama’s absence intensified after Trump ally Jack Posobiec floated an unfounded conspiracy theory that the Obamas were “on the outs” within the elite circle of former presidential couples. “Just had someone reach out…” Posobiec cryptically posted.
Outkick founder Clay Travis shared a video of Trump and Obama speaking during the event, jokingly asking, “Did Obama vote for Trump too?!”
The strained interactions highlight the ongoing political and personal divisions among America’s current and former leaders. Trump’s reception at the funeral not only underscored his contentious relationship with members of the political establishment but also fueled the narrative of grievance among his most fervent supporters.
