Fox News commentator Jessica Tarlov has sparked controversy after her remarks about Karen Pence’s interaction with Melania Trump during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Tarlov, a liberal voice on The Five, described Karen Pence avoiding eye contact with Melania as one of her “favorite moments,” attributing it to the strained relationship between the Trumps and the Pences. She suggested that Karen Pence’s actions reflected a deeper political rift, even referencing an unverified claim about President Trump’s involvement in the January 6th Capitol riots.

The comments quickly drew backlash, particularly for referencing the unsubstantiated claim, with critics accusing Tarlov of spreading misleading narratives. Many social media users also felt she trivialized a somber event, accusing her of using the funeral for political commentary. Despite the criticism, some defended Tarlov, arguing she was merely pointing out visible tensions between the two families.

The controversy highlights the growing political divide in the U.S., with moments like these serving as flashpoints for deeper divisions.

The incident also underscored the broader tension between the Pences and the Trumps, particularly after the events of January 6, 2021, but Mike Pence himself reflected positively on his interactions with Trump at the funeral, signaling that reconciliation might be possible despite past differences.