GOP Senator’s Husband Snubs Harris’ Handshake During Swearing-In Ceremony

On Jan 7, 2025

The husband of a Republican senator refused to shake Vice President Kamala Harris’ hand during his wife’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday, as seen in a now-viral video that captured the awkward exchange.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R.-Neb.) appeared to be all smiles while being sworn in by Harris for her third term in the U.S. Senate while standing alongside her husband, Bruce Fischer.

The moment appeared to turn frosty, however, as the senator repeatedly nudged her husband to stand closer to the vice president as he held a cane with one hand and a Bible in the other.

pic.twitter.com/hTarflIqlw

— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) January 6, 2025

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The husband of a Republican senator just refused to shake hands or make eye contact with Vice President Harris.

The level of class you can expect from MAGA. pic.twitter.com/hTarflIqlw

— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) January 6, 2025

“It’s OK, I won’t bite. I’m not going to bite. Don’t worry,” a smiling Harris is heard telling him as he appears to avert his gaze and keep his eyes on the Bible.

Deb Fischer shook Harris’ hand after completing her oath and thanked the vice president. When Harris expressed congratulations to the senator’s husband, he offered a short “thank you” and then dropped his newly freed left hand and put it in his pants pocket, prompting a raised-eyebrows reaction from Harris.

The senator shared photos of the event on her social media account along with a pledge about continuing to stand together.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) shakes hands with Vice President Kamala Harris during a swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol on Friday. Bruce Fischer, the senator's husband, refused to shake Harris' hand during the ceremony. — Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) shakes hands with Vice President Kamala Harris during a swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol on Friday. Bruce Fischer, the senator’s husband, refused to shake Harris’ hand during the ceremony.

“Together we will continue to stand tall for our shared values and take care of our people. We will protect this nation. We will build a stronger Nebraska. And we will secure that brighter future for our children and grandchildren,” her post read.

Representatives for her office did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment Monday on the handshake (or lack thereof).