Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s upcoming funeral signifies more than just a farewell; it represents a complex tapestry of political relationships and personal tributes. According to a report from Axios, former President Donald Trump will not attend the funeral, underscoring the rift that has developed between him and Cheney’s family in the years leading up to his passing.
Cheney’s funeral is set for mid-morning at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., a venue steeped in tradition where it’s customary for sitting presidents to pay their respects. Yet, Trump’s notable absence speaks volumes. The tension stems largely from Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, who actively participated in the House investigation focusing on Trump’s actions during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. In an unprecedented political shift, both father and daughter endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential campaign, signaling a clear break from the direction the Republican Party has taken under Trump.
Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 84, had a storied career. His family issued a statement confirming his death due to complications from pneumonia and various heart ailments. The family noted, “For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States.” With such a history, one can only imagine the weight of tributes that will emerge during his funeral.
His legacy as a public servant is punctuated with both triumphs and controversies. Cheney was central to America’s military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan; a figure often at the center of heated debates about foreign policy and national security. He exemplified a type of bold leadership that many admired while others vehemently opposed. His family praised him, saying, “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.” This personal reflection highlights not just his public persona but the values he instilled in his family.
Cheney’s health struggles were well-documented. His battle with heart disease took a significant toll, culminating in a heart transplant in 2012 after a long wait. Despite the physical challenges he faced, Cheney remained a prominent figure in American political life until the end. His family’s statement reflects a blend of sorrow and gratitude for the impact he made during his life. “We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country,” they said, a sentiment that resonates amid the often contentious discourse surrounding his legacy.
As preparations for his funeral unfold, Cheney’s influence on the Republican Party and American politics as a whole remains a subject of discussion. His absence in posthumous events, such as his funeral, poses questions about the evolving landscape of American conservatism and the growing divides within it. The invitation list for such a poignant occasion offers a glimpse into the current state of political relationships—and the miles that have come between figures who once stood together at the forefront of American governance.
Cheney’s funeral marks an important moment of reflection for a figure who rose from humble beginnings in Wyoming to become one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history. His life was characterized by a fierce dedication to national interests and a commitment to principles he deemed essential, even in the face of mounting controversies. The decision of who attends this significant event—especially the omission of Trump—will undoubtedly resonate, contributing to the ongoing discourse around Cheney’s legacy as both a man and a political leader.
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