Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s upcoming funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, Nov. 20 has stirred speculation as notable names like President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are reportedly not on the guest list. The absence of Trump and Vance from the funeral has raised eyebrows due to their political affiliations and relationships with the Cheney family.
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According to reports, Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President under George W. Bush, passed away on Nov. 3 at the age of 84. While it is customary for sitting presidents to attend the funerals of former presidents or vice presidents, Trump, currently receiving an intelligence briefing, will not be present at the ceremony coinciding with his schedule. Similarly, JD Vance is noted as another prominent figure not expected to attend.
The invite-only funeral is anticipated to host over 1,000 guests, including a slew of distinguished politicians from both sides of the political spectrum. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden, along with former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle will be attending the service to pay their respects to Cheney. Notable attendees also include Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Republican Senators John Thune and Mitch McConnell, as well as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
The strained relationship between Trump and the Cheney family dates back to Liz Cheney’s decision to vote for Trump’s second impeachment following the events of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. This rift further escalated when Liz Cheney was ousted from her leadership position in the U.S. House of Representatives and failed to secure reelection after a primary loss in 2022. Dick Cheney publicly supported his daughter throughout these events, echoing criticisms of Trump and supporting her stance against him.
In light of these tensions, both former Vice President Cheney and Liz Cheney have been vocal in their opposition to Trump’s politics and actions. Cheney’s scathing remarks against Trump, labelling him as a significant threat to the nation, have garnered attention and highlight the deep-seated divisions within the Republican party. Liz Cheney’s advocacy for upholding democratic values and condemning Trump’s attempts to erode them has further solidified her stance against the former president.
While Trump has not publicly acknowledged Dick Cheney’s passing, the White House press secretary confirmed that the president is aware of the news. Flags were lowered to half-staff in honour of the former vice president, recognizing his decades of service and contribution to the country. The Cheney family expressed gratitude for Cheney’s legacy, describing him as a man who instilled values of courage, honour, and patriotism in his loved ones.
As preparations for the funeral of Dick Cheney unfold, the notable absence of Donald Trump and JD Vance from the guest list underscores the prevailing tensions and divisions within the political landscape. The gathering of prominent figures from various political backgrounds to honour Cheney’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and dynamics of American politics.