Cheney Funeral: Trump Vance Excluded in Political Snub

A Funeral Reflects America's Political Divide

The solemn funeral service for former Vice President Dick Cheney at Washington's National Cathedral became an unexpected stage for contemporary political drama on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The event, honoring a Republican stalwart who died at 84, featured a striking bipartisan gathering while deliberately excluding two of today's most prominent Republican figures: former President Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance.

The absence of Trump and Vance from the front rows underscored the deep fractures within the modern Republican party. Cheney, who served as Vice President under George W. Bush, evolved into one of Trump's most vocal critics after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. His daughter Liz Cheney, a former Congresswoman who led the House committee investigating the insurrection, played a central role in this political rift.

"For him, a choice between defense of the constitution and defense of your political party was no choice at all."

Liz Cheney, delivering her father's eulogy

The Attendees: A Bipartisan Assembly

The cathedral stood filled with figures from Cheney's political era, representing both sides of the aisle. Attendees included:

• Former Presidents George W Bush and Joe Biden
• Former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle
• Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
• Chief Justice John Roberts

Notably absent were former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, with Clinton's office citing an unavoidable scheduling conflict. Perhaps most symbolic was the presence of liberal MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, illustrating the shifting political alliances Cheney's funeral represented.

Bush's Eulogy and Liz Cheney's Tribute

George W Bush delivered a heartfelt eulogy, praising Cheney's unwavering loyalty and competence during their tenure together. "They don't come any better than Dick Cheney," Bush declared, emphasizing his role as "everything a president should expect in a second-in-command." Bush carefully avoided any mention of the power struggles between them during their years in office.

Liz Cheney's speech was the emotional centerpiece, framing her father's life through the prism of constitutional duty. She recounted how her father's commitment to American values transcended party lines, directly referencing her own decision to hold Trump accountable for the January 6 attack. Despite facing intense backlash from the MAGA base—which ultimately cost her congressional seat—Liz Cheney stated her father would have supported her path.

Cheney's Complex Legacy

Dick Cheney's career spanned five decades, marked by both significant achievements and controversies. As Vice President, he:

• Directed the U.S. response to the 9/11 attacks
• Pushed for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Expanded government surveillance powers
• Became known as "Darth Vader" for his hardline stance

His death from complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease on November 3, 2025, occurred just days after the 2024 election in which both he and Liz Cheney endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris—a stunning break from party loyalty during Cheney's lifetime.

Political Implications and Future Outlook

The funeral's guest list served as a stark visual representation of the Republican party's civil war. While Cheney represented the traditional national security-focused GOP establishment, Trump and Vance embody the populist MAGA movement that has reshaped the party. The snub sends a clear message about Cheney's legacy: commitment to constitutional principles over political expediency.

As the Republican party continues to grapple with its identity, Cheney's funeral highlighted a fundamental question: Can a party built on traditional values survive when its members prioritize loyalty to a leader over institutional integrity? The standing ovation for Liz Cheney's message suggests that a significant faction within the party still believes the answer must be yes.