By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Washington, D.C., and will be attended by a bipartisan gathering of dignitaries, including former presidents and vice presidents. The service, featuring full military honors, is expected to host over 1,000 guests, representing a time of less political polarization. Notably, neither former President Donald Trump nor Vice President J.D. Vance received an invitation. Cheney, who served as vice president from 2001 to 2009, died on November 3 at the age of 84.
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Imagine being too evil for Dick Cheney’s funeral. That’s the core of what’s making this news cycle so deliciously interesting. It’s a pretty astonishing feat, really. We’re talking about a man who, during his time in power, was often viewed with suspicion and scrutiny, now being considered too toxic for a farewell from the family of another controversial figure. The fact that Trump is missing from the guest list, specifically, not just absent by happenstance, is a strong statement. It suggests a very deliberate choice on the part of the Cheney family, a choice that’s bound to sting. The potential for Trump to hijack the event, turning it into another rally for himself, was probably a major factor in the decision.
Now, let’s consider the contrast: all four living former vice presidents are invited. We’ve got Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle. And on top of that, former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden are also attending. This creates a fascinating picture of political establishment, of the inner circle, paying their respects. It’s a gathering that speaks to a certain level of decorum, a shared understanding of the rules of the game, of the importance of tradition, even when dealing with someone as polarizing as Dick Cheney. Trump, with his brash style and penchant for controversy, clearly doesn’t fit that mold.
The absence of Trump, and the fact that it was a conscious decision, will undoubtedly fuel his ego. He is likely furious inside and making this about himself. It’s a direct affront to the image he tries to project, the image of a leader who is universally respected. He’ll either be stewing in anger or downplaying the whole thing, but either way, you can bet it’s rankling him. This is a chance for his detractors to smirk and the rest of us to be mildly entertained by his reaction. The idea of Trump making a scene, attempting to crash the funeral, is certainly plausible, though one would hope the Secret Service would be prepared to handle that.
The broader implications are worth noting too. This event highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Cheney and Trump had a very public falling out, and this funeral is a clear manifestation of that rift. It’s a message from the Cheney family to the Republican establishment about who they consider acceptable. It will serve as an extremely public reminder of Trump’s rejection by some segments of his own party, and not by the ones he expects.
The presence of the other former vice presidents and presidents also provides a glimpse into the complicated relationship between the political establishment and figures like Cheney. While many may have strongly disagreed with Cheney’s policies or actions, they still appear to recognize the importance of the office he held and the traditions that come with it. It’s a demonstration of a level of respect, perhaps even begrudging, that Trump seems unable or unwilling to earn. This is not about the merits of the man being mourned; it is about the standard of behavior.
The invitation list certainly sparks the imagination. One can only imagine the conversations that will be happening there, the whispers, the unspoken judgments. It’s a reminder that even in death, a figure like Dick Cheney continues to command attention and influence. For the Cheneys, this is a very deliberate choice. It’s a statement. And for Trump, it’s a powerful snub that he almost certainly is taking personally.