In a moment of solemn reflection, the nation bid farewell to former Vice President Dick Cheney on Nov. 20, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral, where tributes clashed with underlying political rifts.
According to the Daily Mail, the event, marked by an emotional eulogy from George W. Bush and personal memories from Cheney's grandchildren, was overshadowed by the notable absence of President Donald Trump and JD Vance due to Cheney's fierce opposition to Trump’s policies.
On Nov. 3, 2025, Dick Cheney passed away at 84, succumbing to complications from pneumonia along with cardiac and vascular issues. His funeral, held just over two weeks later on Nov. 20, drew a significant gathering of political figures to honor his legacy.
At the cathedral, former President George W. Bush delivered a heartfelt eulogy, expressing deep appreciation for Cheney’s service and life. He spoke of a hope to reunite with his old friend someday, reflecting a bond forged through years of shared leadership.
Bush’s words carried weight among attendees, who included Laura Bush, Joe and Jill Biden, and all living former vice presidents: Kamala Harris, Al Gore, Dan Quayle, and Mike Pence. Notably absent were Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Cheney’s grandchildren, Elizabeth, Richard, and Grace Perry, also shared touching stories of their grandfather. Their personal tributes painted a picture of a man cherished beyond his public persona, adding warmth to the formal proceedings.
The exclusion of President Trump and JD Vance from the funeral underscored a deep divide. Cheney had once called Trump “the greatest threat to the United States in history,” a stance that evidently shaped the guest list on this day.
While the service focused on remembrance, the absence of the current president highlighted how political disagreements can linger even at moments of national mourning. It’s a curious irony that a unifying event can still reflect such stark partisan lines.
Elsewhere, political friction continued as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sought Capitol Police protection for Democratic Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly. This request followed a Truth Social post by Trump, labeling their actions as “seditious behavior, punishable by death!”
Representative Chris Deluzio, also targeted in Trump’s post, reported receiving threats after the president’s sharp words. The rhetoric, tied to a video urging military members to reject unlawful orders, has inflamed tensions across party lines. “He called for my hanging and my death, along with several of my colleagues,” Deluzio stated to media outlets. Such language, even if hyperbolic, fuels a firestorm in an already polarized climate.
Yet, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt swiftly clarified that Trump’s comment was not literal, responding with a firm “No” when pressed on its intent. This pushback suggests a need to temper rhetoric before it spirals out of control further.
On a separate note, a diplomatic storm brewed as U.S. contractors landed at Playa Bagdad, Mexico, on Nov. 17, 2025, sparking a tense standoff with Mexican security forces. Such actions near the Rio Grande only heighten cross-border anxieties at a delicate time.
Additionally, New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew addressed a scandal involving former employee Natalie Greene, charged with staging a fake political attack in July 2025. The incident, marked by disturbing imagery, raises questions about the trustworthiness of political narratives.
Amid these storms, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s willingness to meet with Trump on affordability issues offers a rare glimpse of potential bipartisan dialogue. It’s a small but noteworthy step when division seems the default setting.