Washington, D.C. — Leaders from across the political spectrum gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on November 20, 2025, to pay their respects to former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 84 from complications related to pneumonia and cardiac issues. Cheney’s service, marked by a notable absence of former President Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance, highlighted the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party.
The gathering, attended by over 1,000 guests, was opened with a eulogy from former President George W. Bush, who reflected on Cheney’s significant role during his administration. Bush fondly recalled how he initially sought Cheney’s assistance in selecting a running mate for the 2000 election, ultimately realizing that Cheney was the ideal choice. “They don’t come any better than Dick Cheney,” Bush stated, emphasizing the former vice president’s commitment to service and character.
Cheney’s death not only brought together a who’s who of politicians but also underscored the pronounced rift between the Cheneys and Trump. The exclusion of Trump and Vance from the guest list was emblematic of a relationship that soured dramatically over the years, particularly following Liz Cheney’s impeachment vote against Trump in 2021. Liz, who previously served in Congress, became a vocal critic of Trump’s actions during the Capitol unrest on January 6, contributing to her decline within the party.
The tumultuous history extended further, as Dick and Liz Cheney publicly diverged from the Republican mainstream, even endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This marked a remarkable shift for a family long considered stalwarts of the GOP. In support of Liz’s reelection campaign, Dick Cheney publicly condemned Trump, calling him “a coward” and labeling him a profound threat to democracy.
During the service, Liz Cheney spoke movingly about the values her father instilled in her and her sister, focusing on the importance of civic responsibility over partisan loyalty. While she refrained from mentioning Trump by name, her comments resonated with implications regarding accountability for insurrection-related actions. “Democratic principles must prevail over party allegiances,” she asserted, reinforcing the idea that American unity is paramount.
Significantly absent from the proceedings were former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who cited scheduling issues. Nevertheless, other prominent figures, including former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle, were in attendance, reflecting the bipartisanship that characterized Cheney’s legacy despite his polarizing reputation.
Amid the warmth of remembrance, the absence of Trump and Vance revealed a deeper cultural rift within the GOP, a party grappling with its identity in the wake of Trump’s impact. The former president reportedly had commitments at the same time as the service, though the lack of an appearance could also be perceived as a reflection of continuing tensions.
As Dick Cheney was honored for his extensive political legacy, his influence on national security post-September 11 and his role in pivotal wartime decisions were not overlooked. This occasion served not only as a farewell to a powerful political figure but also as a reminder of the enduring complexities of American political life amid shifting allegiances and ideologies.
The contrasting narratives of the funeral underscored the difficult balancing act within the Republican Party, as it seeks to reconcile traditional values with contemporary challenges. Cheney’s life and career stand as a testament to the enduring impact of political legacies in an ever-evolving landscape.