Absent at the Memorial: Trump's Snub and Cheney's Legacy

Dick Cheney, the former vice president, passed away recently at 84. He was known for his significant role in expanding presidential powers and shaping the nation's response to 9/11. His memorial service took place, but one notable figure was missing: Donald Trump. Trump was not invited to the service. This might not be surprising, given Cheney's public stance against Trump in the 2024 election. Cheney announced he would vote for the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, putting country over party. His daughter, Liz Cheney, also publicly opposed Trump, causing a rift within the Republican Party. The absence of Trump administration officials and many Republican lawmakers from the memorial service is telling. Some may have stayed away to avoid angering Trump, who views Liz Cheney as a political adversary. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers might have also skipped the service due to lingering criticism of Cheney's policies on Iraq, interrogation, and surveillance. Initially, there was confusion about whether Vice President JD Vance was invited. A source close to the Cheney family suggested he was, but Vance's aides later clarified he was not attending. Trump did order flags to be lowered to half-staff following Cheney's death, as required by law, but he did not issue a public statement or comment on the matter. Cheney's decision to speak out against Trump left him isolated within his own party. His actions, along with his daughter's, sparked a reevaluation of his legacy among both critics and supporters. The memorial service highlighted the deep political divisions that persist, even in moments of mourning.