This Awkward Handshake Refusal Is Setting the Internet on Fire

A brief but telling moment in the Senate chamber has gone viral, capturing the attention of millions online. A video surfaced Monday showing Bruce Fischer, the husband of Republican Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, declining a handshake from Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday.

The clip, shared widely on social media, was initially posted by political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen on X (formerly Twitter). Cohen captioned it, “The level of class you can expect from MAGA,” sparking heated debate across the platform.

A Surprising Interaction

Bruce Fischer accompanied his wife, who has represented Nebraska in the Senate since 2012, to the event marking the start of the 119th Congress in Washington, D.C. During the swearing-in ceremony, Vice President Harris shook Senator Fischer’s hand, offering her congratulations. Turning to Bruce, Harris extended her hand and said, “May I give congratulations to you?”

Nebraska Republican Senator Deb Fischer (second from left) alongside her husband Bruce (third from left), and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) following her swearing in on Friday, January 3, 2025. Bruce appeared to refuse Harris’ offer of a handshake.

In response, Bruce Fischer simply replied, “Thank you,” but declined the handshake, leaving Harris visibly surprised. Her raised eyebrows and a brief grimace captured the awkwardness of the moment, which concluded with a photo where Bruce stood unsmiling beside his wife.

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

This interaction stood in stark contrast to a video from 2016, when Bruce Fischer shook the hand of then-Vice President Mike Pence, a Republican, during a similar ceremony.

Social Media Reacts

The incident quickly became a flashpoint on social media, drawing reactions from both ends of the political spectrum. Many criticized Bruce Fischer for what they perceived as a lack of decorum.

“Bruce Fischer is exactly what is wrong with American culture right now. We have put civility on the shelf,” wrote filmmaker Princella D. Smith on X.

Meanwhile, the account Republicans Against Trump shared the video, calling Bruce’s behavior “classless.”

Some users speculated on his motivations, while others pointed out that Fischer was seen using a cane in the recent footage, unlike during the 2016 ceremony.

🚨UPDATE: After some digging, I finally found the video from six years ago of Senator Fischer being sworn in by Mike Pence, with her husband by her side. To my expectations, after the oath, her husband gleefully shook Pence’s hand and thanked him for his leadership. Before they… https://t.co/Tz02HDSNcW pic.twitter.com/MnevNeaeeP

— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) January 7, 2025

A Divisive Moment

As vice president, Kamala Harris plays a ceremonial role in overseeing the swearing-in of Senators following each election. This year, she interacted with lawmakers across party lines, even sharing a lighthearted exchange with Independent Senator Bernie Sanders. “Stand right here,” she joked, adding, “Although that is not your nature, to just stand where you’re told to stand, but give it a try.”

Despite her efforts to maintain a bipartisan tone during the event, Bruce Fischer’s refusal to shake her hand has overshadowed the proceedings, highlighting deep political and cultural divides in the country.

Statements and Reactions

Senator Fischer addressed the moment indirectly in a press release, focusing on her commitment to Nebraska. “I’m humbled by the faith and trust Nebraskans have placed in me as I take this oath for the third time. I ask for your prayers for wisdom and strength that I may know and follow God’s guidance as I continue to serve the people and the state I love,” she wrote.

The White House and Senator Fischer’s office have yet to comment directly on the handshake snub.

Looking Ahead

As the video continues to gain traction online, it underscores the tension that persists even in ceremonial moments meant to symbolize unity. Senator Fischer, for her part, has pledged to work tirelessly for Nebraskans, sharing a post-swearing-in photo and promising to “build a stronger Nebraska.”

Meanwhile, Bruce Fischer’s brief interaction with Harris remains a topic of discussion, emblematic of the polarized nature of American politics today.