The passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney has sparked a wave of tributes, reflections, and, surprisingly, silence from some of the most prominent figures in American politics. But here’s where it gets controversial: while former President George W. Bush and other Republican stalwarts have honored Cheney’s legacy, Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have remained conspicuously quiet. What does this silence say about the current state of the GOP and its relationship with Cheney’s complex legacy? Let’s dive in.
Cheney, who died at 84 from complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, was a towering figure in U.S. politics. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful—and polarizing—vice presidents in history, he played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His influence was undeniable, but so was the controversy surrounding his decisions. And this is the part most people miss: Cheney’s unapologetic stance on issues like torture and indefinite detention has left a lasting, and for many, troubling legacy.
Yet, Cheney’s later years were defined by his fierce opposition to Donald Trump. In a 2022 ad, he declared, ‘In our nation’s 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.’ He accused Trump of attempting to steal the 2020 election through lies and violence, calling him a ‘coward’ who betrayed his supporters. This bold stance pitted Cheney against the Trump-dominated GOP, creating a rift that persists even in death.
The White House lowered its flags to half-mast following Cheney’s passing, but Trump and Vance have yet to issue personal statements. At a press briefing, Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, sidestepped the topic, focusing instead on other issues like election results and media ratings. This silence raises questions: Is it a deliberate snub, or a reflection of the deep ideological divide within the Republican Party?
Cheney’s career was a study in contrasts. He served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, but his political journey also included roles as defense secretary under George H.W. Bush and chief of staff to Gerald Ford. Bush praised Cheney as ‘a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.’ Condoleezza Rice and Mitch McConnell echoed these sentiments, highlighting his unwavering commitment to national security and leadership.
But here’s the counterpoint: Critics like Kenneth Roth, former head of Human Rights Watch, argue that Cheney’s legacy is marred by his ‘utterly lawless approach’ to the war on terror. Roth pointed out that Cheney never faced prosecution for policies that included torture and forced disappearances, despite their moral and legal implications. ‘His opposition to Trump doesn’t erase this dangerous precedent of impunity,’ Roth noted.
Cheney’s confidence in the Iraq War’s success—predicting U.S. forces would be ‘greeted as liberators’—was famously misplaced. Yet, even as the war dragged on with thousands of American casualties, he stood by his decisions. In 2005, he told CNN, ‘I think on Iraq we got the big issues right… The vast majority of the Iraqi people are grateful for what we did.’
Meanwhile, the silence from Trump and Vance is particularly striking when contrasted with Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, who became a vocal critic of Trump during his presidency. Trump labeled her a ‘radical war hawk’ during the 2020 campaign, further deepening the rift between the two factions of the GOP.
Vance, often compared to Cheney in terms of influence, represents a different wing of the party. His isolationist worldview clashes with Cheney’s interventionist legacy, highlighting the ideological shifts within the GOP. Is this silence a sign of the party’s evolving priorities, or a deliberate rejection of Cheney’s controversial past?
As the nation reflects on Cheney’s legacy, one thing is clear: his impact on American politics is undeniable, but so is the division he leaves behind. What do you think? Does Cheney’s legacy deserve the silence from Trump and Vance, or should they acknowledge his contributions despite their differences? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
