Former Vice Presidents to Attend Cheney Funeral; Trump and Vance Not Invited

Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral is set to take place at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday at Washington’s National Cathedral. The event aims to honor a significant figure in American politics, particularly recognized during the pre-MAGA Republican era. A wide array of dignitaries will attend, marking a farewell to Cheney, who passed away on November 3 at the age of 84.

Guest List Highlights

The invite-only memorial is expected to welcome over 1,000 guests, including:

• All four living former vice presidents: Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle.
• Former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden.
• Supreme Court Justices, notably Chief Justice John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh, and Elena Kagan.
• Congressional leaders from both parties, including Nancy Pelosi, John Thune, and Mitch McConnell.

Notable Absences

Notably absent from the guest list are President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump’s exclusion is particularly significant given Cheney’s controversial legacy, especially regarding the Iraq War. Despite being a conservative supporter of Trump’s 2016 campaign, Cheney became a vocal critic in his later years, especially concerning the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Cheney’s Legacy

Cheney served as Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, and his political resume includes roles as Secretary of Defense and White House Chief of Staff. He is often regarded as one of the most influential vice presidents in American history. However, his polarizing legacy marks him as a controversial figure, especially after his criticism of Trump’s actions and the fallout from the January 6 investigations.

Funeral Details

Cheney’s funeral will feature speakers such as former President Bush, as well as his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, and several of his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will consist of former chiefs of staff and members of his Secret Service detail.

A poignant quote from naturalist John Muir will be included in the service leaflet, reflecting Cheney’s personal connection to nature: “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

The bipartisan nature of the guest list serves as a reminder of a time in Washington where political divisions were less pronounced, emphasizing the significance of Cheney’s contributions to American governance.