(DDM) — Washington, DC, is set to host a major gathering of past and present political leaders Thursday for the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, a key figure in pre-MAGA Republican politics.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that neither President Donald Trump nor current Vice President JD Vance received invitations to the service, highlighting ongoing divisions within the Republican Party.
Cheney, who passed away earlier this month, will be honored with full military honors during the memorial ceremony.
The invitation-only service is expected to draw more than 1,000 guests to Washington’s National Cathedral. Among those attending are all four living former vice presidents: Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle.
Former presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden will also pay their respects, reflecting the bipartisan significance of Cheney’s legacy.
Supreme Court justices are anticipated to attend as well, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan.
Numerous former and current Cabinet members from both Republican and Democratic administrations will be present, along with congressional leaders from both parties.
Cheney’s role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and defense during the George W. Bush administration drew both acclaim and criticism, making his funeral a symbolic gathering of Washington elites from across the political spectrum.
His tenure included leading the nation through post-9/11 policy decisions and the Iraq War, which left an enduring mark on American politics and foreign policy debates.
Observers note that the absence of Trump and Vance reflects lingering ideological divides within the Republican Party, particularly between establishment conservatives and MAGA-aligned figures.
The exclusion also underscores Cheney’s alignment with traditional Republican values and his often outspoken opposition to Trump-era policies.
The funeral’s expected attendees highlight Cheney’s wide-reaching influence and the respect he garnered from leaders on both sides of the aisle.
Political analysts say the gathering will serve as both a memorial and a reminder of the continuing impact of Cheney’s approach to governance, defense, and international relations.
While the ceremony is private, officials note that it will include military honors, ceremonial proceedings, and opportunities for high-profile political figures to pay public tribute.
Media coverage will document the proceedings, emphasizing both the solemnity of the event and the significance of the cross-party attendance.
Cheney’s death and the funeral arrangements come at a time of intense political polarization, yet the turnout of bipartisan figures demonstrates the enduring respect for his decades of public service.
