URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump will NOT attend the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, following his exclusion from the list of speakers, according to reports from USA Today. This development comes as Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2023, at the age of 84, was a vocal critic of Trump throughout his political career.
The funeral is set for November 20, 2023, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Notably, former presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden are expected to attend, with Bush scheduled to deliver remarks. Trump’s absence is particularly striking given Cheney’s significant role in American politics and the contentious relationship he had with the former president.
Cheney, who served under Bush, previously described Trump as “the greatest threat” to the republic, stating, “In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.” His comments followed a strong condemnation of Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election, accusing him of attempting to “steal the last election using lies and violence.”
Despite being a central figure in the GOP, Trump’s decision to skip the funeral underscores the lasting divisions within the party. A senior White House official confirmed that Trump was not asked to speak at the service and that no staff members were aware of attending the invitation-only event.
In a gesture of respect, the White House announced that flags are being lowered to half-staff in honor of Cheney’s contributions to the nation.
As the funeral approaches, all eyes will be on the attendees and the messages delivered, further highlighting the ongoing rift between Trump and traditional Republican values. The political dynamics at play promise to resonate beyond the funeral service, impacting the future of the GOP.
For those following the unfolding events, this situation exemplifies the complexities of American politics and the emotional weight of Cheney’s legacy. As more details emerge leading up to the funeral, the spotlight remains on how both Trump and the Republican Party navigate this pivotal moment.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
