The passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney at age 84 marks the end of an era in American politics, and a memorial service scheduled for Thursday is drawing a bipartisan array of dignitaries. Cheney’s decades-long career, from his time in Congress to his pivotal role in the George W. Bush governance’s response to 9/11, was marked by both influence and controversy. The guest list – and notable omissions, including former President Donald Trump – underscore the enduring impact of cheney’s legacy and the current fractures within the Republican party.
Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, a key figure in the George W. Bush administration and a controversial architect of the “war on terror,” has died at the age of 84. His passing on November 4th marks the end of a long and influential career in American politics, one that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on both domestic and foreign policy.
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 20th, and is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees, including prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Among those invited are all four living former vice presidents and two former presidents, reflecting Cheney’s broad reach and influence throughout the political landscape.
George W. Bush and Joe Biden have confirmed their attendance, as have Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle. The guest list also includes three current Supreme Court justices, as well as current and former speakers of the House: Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, and John Thune.
Notably absent from the invitation list were former President Donald Trump and JD Vance, according to sources familiar with the arrangements reported by the BBC. The decision not to invite them has raised questions about the ongoing rift within the Republican party.
Cheney Became a Critic of Donald Trump, Himself a Controversial Figure
Cheney served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, previously holding the positions of Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, and a member of Congress. He was widely considered one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history. His central role in shaping the response to the September 11th, 2001 attacks, often referred to as the “war on terror,” drew both praise and sharp criticism.
In recent years, Dick Cheney became a vocal critic of Donald Trump, particularly after his daughter, Liz Cheney, played a prominent role in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol attack investigation. In 2022, he publicly called Trump a coward and asserted that no one posed a greater threat to the American republic. Trump has not publicly commented on Cheney’s death or offered condolences to the family.
During the memorial service, Cheney will be honored with full military honors. His daughter, Liz, former President George W. Bush, and his grandchildren are scheduled to deliver remarks. The public scrutiny surrounding Cheney’s legacy and the notable absences from his memorial service highlight the deep divisions within American politics and the enduring impact of his decisions on the global stage.
