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While virtually every moment of President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration is being dissected online, one in particular is causing chaos among fans.
Per video footage circulating on X (formerly known as Twitter), Underwood — who performed "America the Beautiful" a cappella at the inauguration due to a sound equipment mishap — shook hands with now-former President Joe Biden, Trump, and new VP J.D. Vance. She did not, however, shake hands with now-former VP Kamala Harris, who was standing right next to Biden.
"Carrie Underwood snubbed Kamala Harris at the inauguration today when she skipped shaking her hand as she shook others around her," pop culture account Mr. Pop tweeted on Monday, January 20. "A much different statement from the one she gave about coming together and unity."
Another user asked in surprise, "carrie underwood really didn't shake kamala hand??? wow just wow."
"carrie underwood shaking everyone's hand except kamala's just rubbed me the WRONG way 🙃," a third person shared.
"Carrie underwood not shaking Kamala Harris' hand??? Unprofessional!" another X user tweeted. "You know if the roles were reversed everyone would have an uproar!"
"I just feel like carrie underwood not shaking kamala's hand was on purpose," someone else chimed in, saying that they "hate" Underwood.
Others, however, thought people were reading too much into the moment.
"Harris didn't extend her hand so neither did Carrie. Not [that] deep," another person wrote.
The "Before He Cheats" singer, for her part, received a polarizing response after announcing last week that she would sing at Trump's inauguration. While she was praised by Trump supporters, she was also criticized by many who oppose the former real estate mogul.
"I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," the eight-time Grammy winner said in a statement to TMZ at the time. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."
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About the writer
Michelle McGahan
Michelle is an experienced entertainment writer and editor with a focus on celebrity and pop music news. Prior to writing ...
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