Former US Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away earlier this month, will be laid to rest with full military honors on November 20 at the Washington National Cathedral. The funeral will see the attendance of prominent figures from across the political spectrum.
However, US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited, according to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the matter. Former presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden are set to pay their respects, along with former vice presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle.
Dick Cheney Funeral: Trump Will Not Attend
USA Today reported that Trump will not attend Cheney’s funeral and was not asked to speak at the service. A senior White House official said the President “was not aware of anyone else on his staff going” to the invitation-only ceremony.
Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton will also not attend due to “an unavoidable scheduling conflict,” a spokesperson confirmed.
Dick Cheney Funeral: Who All Will Attend?
The funeral will be attended by former presidents Bush and Biden, and former vice presidents Harris, Pence, Gore, and Quayle. Several congressional leaders, military officials, and other dignitaries are also expected. Cheney’s service will include full military honors, reflecting his long career in public service.
Trump & Cheney Family Tensions
Trump’s absence is not surprising, given the long-standing tensions between him and the Cheney family. During the last presidential election, Cheney endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, while his daughter, former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, actively campaigned for Harris throughout the general election.
Political analysts say the divide highlights the continuing influence of past political conflicts, even in solemn events like funerals.
Vance’s Remarks on Dick Cheney Legacy
Vice President JD Vance also made a pointed comment about Cheney’s role in the Bush administration. During a conversation with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kennedy reportedly remarked that Cheney “seemed to be actually running the country” during the Bush era. Vance replied, “Not very well, as it turns out,” to which Kennedy responded, “We agree on that.”
The remark underscores how Cheney’s political legacy remains a point of debate among Republicans, reflecting generational and ideological splits within the party.
Dick Cheney Funeral Highlights: Ongoing GOP Divisions
Cheney’s funeral serves as a symbolic event highlighting the ongoing rift within the Republican Party. While some members, like Pence and Harris, maintain cordial ties, others, like Trump and Vance, continue to keep a distance due to political differences.
Observers note that the ceremony will not just honor Cheney’s legacy, but also offer insight into the current state of political alliances and the influence of past administrations on today’s politics.
