At President Jimmy Carter's funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral, several notable interactions and observations were made. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff were escorted to their front-row seats, positioned near former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. However, unlike the greetings extended to other arriving dignitaries, such as former President George W. Bush, there appeared to be minimal interaction between Harris and Emhoff and the former presidential families.

Former President Barack Obama and President-elect Trump engaged in a lengthy conversation as other attendees arrived, while Harris and Emhoff largely remained forward-facing. Former first lady Laura Bush was seated behind Harris. Upon taking her seat, Harris observed Obama conversing with Trump and appeared to react with a grimace before composing herself.

Harris and Emhoff initially focused on their funeral programs, with Harris later whispering to Emhoff. A brief exchange with first lady Jill Biden occurred upon the arrival of the current first family. Elsewhere, former second ladies Marilyn Quayle and Karen Pence were seated in the rows behind. Notably absent were Lynne Cheney, Michelle Obama, and Tipper Gore.

The funeral service brought together numerous prominent figures, providing a stage for both subtle interactions and noteworthy absences.