Trump Skips Cheney Funeral After Snub; Bush, Biden to Attend

UPDATE: Former President Donald Trump has confirmed he will skip the funeral of late former Vice President Dick Cheney, following a notable omission from the list of speakers. This development underscores the ongoing rift between Trump and Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2023, at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and heart disease.

The funeral service is scheduled for November 20, 2023, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where at least two former presidents, George W. Bush and Joe Biden, are set to attend. Bush will deliver remarks during the service, highlighting the significance of Cheney’s political legacy.

Trump’s decision to avoid the funeral comes after Cheney, a vocal critic of the former president, labeled him “the greatest threat” to the republic. In a powerful statement last year, Cheney expressed his concerns about Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election, stating, “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him.”

According to a report from USA Today, Trump was not invited to speak at the service, which has further fueled speculation about the strained relationship between the two political figures. A senior White House official confirmed that Trump would not be attending and was unaware of any staff members planning to go to the invitation-only event.

The White House has publicly acknowledged Cheney’s passing, directing flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. This gesture reflects the significant impact Cheney had during his political career, particularly during his tenure under the presidency of George W. Bush.

As the funeral approaches, attention will be on the speakers and attendees, particularly as public sentiment surrounding Cheney’s legacy continues to stir discussions about the current political climate. The absence of Trump at such a high-profile event further emphasizes the divisions in American politics today.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for reactions from attendees and political analysts following the funeral service.