President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance did not receive invitations to the funeral of Dick Cheney, the former Vice President who served under President George W. Bush. This decision has prompted discussions throughout the nation, as it represents a notable deviation from the usual bipartisan attendance of significant political funerals.
The President's absence at Cheney's funeral stands in contrast to his attendance at the funeral of Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025, where he was seen with other political figures, including former President Barack Obama. Despite being political adversaries, President Trump's presence at Carter's funeral was viewed as a sign of respect for the tradition of honoring past leaders.
However, the relationship between President Trump and the Cheney family has been strained. President Trump has been openly critical of the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions, particularly in relation to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent war in Iraq. During his political ascent, President Trump defeated Jeb Bush in the 2016 GOP primary, often clashing with him and labeling him "low energy" during debates.
The tension between President Trump and the Cheney family also included Dick Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, who was a vocal critic of the President and served on the January 6 committee. The committee investigated the Capitol incident, which they claimed President Trump incited. President Trump has rebuked Liz Cheney publicly, commenting on her loss in the 2022 primary against a MAGA ally and labeling her actions on the committee as criminal.
In the time leading up to his death, Dick Cheney had expressed severe criticism of President Trump, describing him as a significant danger to the United States. This public disapproval was a clear indication of the deep rift between the two Republican factions.
The absence of President Trump and Vice President Vance at Cheney's funeral may reflect the enduring impact of these political divisions. It underscores the ongoing polarisation within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape of the United States.
