Washington D.C. was cold on January 9, but not as chilly as former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

A complex web of political tensions played out at Carter’s state funeral in Washington, D.C.,  on Thursday, marked by notably frosty interactions between outgoing First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, foreshadowing the final days of a troubled Democratic administration.

The two Democratic leaders, seated side-by-side in the front row of the National Cathedral, maintained minimal contact throughout the service. A body language expert observed that they “seemed to create as much virtual space between them as possible” and “sat staring ahead grimly while others around them chatted.”

Harris briefly held Biden’s pocketbook as the First Lady got situated, but following this fleeting courtesy, both women stared straight ahead.

White House aides have described the current atmosphere as “depressing” and “draining” as the administration enters its final days.

Harris’ spokesperson Kirsten Allen pushed back against reports of discord, stating, “Over the last four years, Vice President Harris and President Biden have not only developed a close working relationship as governing partners, but they have also built a strong friendship that continues today. This friendship has extended to the first lady and the second gentleman, including through their work together on a number of issues.”

The funeral captured multiple moments of political tension beyond the Biden-Harris dynamic. Harris appeared visibly uncomfortable upon noticing President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama engaged in friendly conversation behind her, responding with what observers described as a sigh and eye roll.

The gathering of five living U.S. presidents highlighted various political dynamics. Former President George W. Bush tapped Obama on the belly while walking past Trump without acknowledgment. When Laura Bush began greeting those seated behind them, including former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence, her husband followed suit. Former Second Lady Karen Pence, however, remained seated and appeared to avoid eye contact with the Trumps.

Previous reports have suggested that in October, during Ethel Kennedy’s funeral service at the same cathedral, President Biden was observed whispering to Obama about Harris, saying “she’s not as strong as me,” to which Obama replied, “I know… that’s true… we have time.” This exchange was interpreted and reported to The New York Post by Jeremy Freeman, a London-based forensic lip reader who has served as a University College London-certified expert witness.

The cool interactions between the Bidens and Harris follow a pattern that emerged after Harris’ November 5 defeat. At the Kennedy Center Honors in December, neither Joe nor Jill Biden acknowledged Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff during a standing ovation.

The tension has extended beyond public appearances. Sources familiar with White House dynamics report that Jill Biden has been particularly frustrated with the Democratic party establishment in recent months, with some claiming she urged her husband to “burn the whole thing down.”