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Former President Joe Biden will attend Thursday’s memorial service for former Vice President Dick Cheney at Washington National Cathedral, where former President George W. Bush is scheduled to deliver remarks, a spokeswoman for Biden confirmed.
Biden, in a statement following Cheney’s death, said the former vice president was “guided by a strong set of conservative values” and that “he believed, as I do, that family is the beginning, middle, and end.”
The current administration under President Donald Trump has been notably reserved in its response to Cheney’s passing on November 3, which resulted from complications related to pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Trump himself has not issued any public statement acknowledging Cheney’s death, breaking with presidential tradition.
The White House did lower its flags to half-staff, but Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated this was done simply “in accordance with statutory law” rather than by presidential proclamation. Federal law mandates that when a former vice president dies, the U.S. flag must fly at half-staff from the day of death until interment.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the White House communicated to congressional leaders that they should follow statutory guidance regarding flags rather than wait for a formal proclamation, suggesting none would be forthcoming. The White House has not responded to inquiries about the absence of a proclamation or whether Trump was invited to Thursday’s invitation-only service.
The lack of formal acknowledgment comes amid a strained relationship between Trump and the Cheney family. During his reelection campaign last year, Trump frequently criticized both Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Representative Liz Cheney, who became one of Trump’s most vocal Republican critics following the 2020 election and its aftermath.
The former vice president publicly broke with his party’s standard-bearer when he declared he would vote for Trump’s opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election. At the time, Cheney issued a stark warning that Trump could “never be trusted with power again,” highlighting the significant political rift that had developed between the former vice president and the current president.
Cheney’s political legacy spans decades of Republican leadership and multiple presidential administrations. Before serving eight years as George W. Bush’s vice president during a consequential period that included the September 11 attacks and subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Cheney served as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush and as White House chief of staff for President Gerald Ford. He also represented Wyoming in the House of Representatives, a seat his daughter Liz would later hold.
The memorial service will feature tributes from several individuals who were close to Cheney, including his longtime cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, and former NBC News correspondent Pete Williams, who previously served as Cheney’s spokesman during his tenure at the Pentagon. Liz Cheney and the former vice president’s grandchildren are also scheduled to speak at the service.
Cheney’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in American political history, representing an old guard of Republican leadership that has increasingly found itself at odds with the party’s current direction under Trump’s influence. Despite being known as a conservative hardliner during his time in office, particularly on national security issues, Cheney ultimately found himself politically aligned with Democrats in opposition to Trump, illustrating the dramatic realignment that has occurred within American politics in recent years.
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16 Comments
The differing responses from Biden and Trump regarding Cheney’s funeral are a microcosm of the larger political divisions in the country. While it’s understandable for political rivals to have different perspectives, a little more civility and respect for public service would go a long way in healing those divisions.
I agree. This situation highlights the need for greater bipartisanship and a focus on shared democratic values, rather than partisan politics. Biden’s attendance is a positive example, while Trump’s silence is a missed chance to demonstrate leadership and bring the country together during a time of mourning.
The contrast in how Biden and Trump are handling Cheney’s funeral is quite telling. Biden’s decision to attend, despite their political differences, shows a level of maturity and respect for democratic institutions that has been lacking in recent years. It’s a shame Trump can’t follow suit.
I agree. Biden’s attendance at the funeral is a commendable act of bipartisanship, especially given the deep divisions that have characterized American politics in recent years. Trump’s silence is a missed opportunity to rise above partisan politics and honor a public servant.
It’s unfortunate that Trump has not acknowledged Cheney’s passing, especially given the former VP’s long and distinguished career in public service. While they may have had political differences, this was an opportunity for Trump to rise above partisanship and show respect for the office Cheney held.
Well said. Regardless of one’s political leanings, former vice presidents deserve recognition and respect when they pass away. Trump’s silence on this matter is a missed chance to demonstrate statesmanship and bring the country together, even if just for a moment.
It’s interesting to see how political leaders respond to the passing of a former VP like Cheney. While Biden plans to attend the funeral, Trump’s silence is certainly noteworthy and goes against typical presidential protocols. I wonder what the reasons are behind his reserved response.
You make a good point. The contrast in how the two presidents are handling this situation is striking. It will be insightful to see if Trump eventually comments or if he continues to remain silent.
Cheney was a polarizing figure, but his service and contributions to the country shouldn’t be diminished. It’s good to see Biden, despite their political differences, honoring him by attending the funeral. This shows a level of respect and civility that has been lacking in recent years.
I agree. Even if one disagrees with Cheney’s policies, attending the funeral is a gesture of bipartisanship and respect for the office he held. It’s a shame Trump hasn’t followed suit, as that would set a better example for the country.
The differing responses from Biden and Trump highlight the political divisions in the country. While it’s understandable for Trump to have personal or political reasons for not attending, a public acknowledgment would have been the more statesmanlike approach. It’s a missed opportunity to show unity.
You make a fair point. In times of loss, it’s important for leaders to put aside political differences and come together to honor public servants, even if they disagreed with them. Trump’s silence is a missed chance to demonstrate leadership and bipartisanship.
This situation highlights the continuing partisan divide in American politics. While it’s expected for political rivals to have different responses, a little more civility and respect for the office would go a long way. Hopefully, the Biden administration can set a better example moving forward.
I agree. The lack of bipartisanship and unwillingness to put politics aside, even for a solemn occasion, is disappointing. Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for leaders to focus on unity and honoring public service, rather than pursuing narrow partisan agendas.
This situation highlights the deep partisan divide in the country. While it’s understandable for Trump to have personal or political reservations about Cheney, a simple acknowledgment of his passing would have been the appropriate response. Biden’s attendance is a more statesmanlike approach that sets a better example.
Well said. Attending a former VP’s funeral, even one with opposing political views, is a gesture of respect for the office and the democratic process. Trump’s silence is a missed opportunity to show leadership and bring the country together, even if just for a moment of mourning.