Full Breakdown
Trump Excluded from Dick Cheney's Funeral
11/21/2025, 8:20:37 AM
Core Event: Trump's Absence at Cheney's Funeral
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited to the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, scheduled for mid-morning on Thursday at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. This exclusion marks a significant moment in the complex relationship between Trump and the Cheney family, particularly following the political tensions that have arisen in recent years.
Background & Context: Cheney's Political Legacy
Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac disease, had a storied political career. He served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush and was a prominent figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the "war on terror," including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Cheney's family, including his daughter Liz Cheney, has been vocal in their opposition to Trump, particularly regarding his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Key Figures & Groups: The Cheney Family
The Cheney family, particularly Liz Cheney, has played a crucial role in the political landscape surrounding Trump. Liz Cheney, a former U.S. Representative from Wyoming, was instrumental in leading the House investigation into Trump's involvement in the Capitol insurrection. Both she and her father have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign, further distancing themselves from Trump.
Official Statements & Responses
Following Cheney's death, his family released a statement highlighting his contributions to the nation and expressing gratitude for the love they shared. They described him as a "noble giant" who instilled values of courage and honor in his family. The absence of Trump and Vance from the funeral underscores the ongoing rift between Trump and the Cheney family, which has been characterized by mutual criticism and political opposition.
Criticism & Opposition: The Cheney-Trump Divide
The decision to exclude Trump from Cheney's funeral reflects the deepening divide between the former president and the Cheney family. Critics of Trump, particularly within the Republican Party, have pointed to this exclusion as indicative of the broader fractures within the party, especially as figures like Liz Cheney continue to challenge Trump's influence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Cheney Family Statement
- “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,” — Cheney Family Statement
What's Next: Political Implications
The absence of Trump from Cheney's funeral may have lasting implications for the Republican Party as it navigates its identity in the post-Trump era. The ongoing tensions between traditional conservatives, represented by the Cheney family, and Trump's populist base will likely continue to shape political discourse leading into future elections.
