Dick Cheney Funeral: Former Presidents Pay Tribute to Controversial Vice President

Dick Cheney Funeral: Former Presidents Honor a Defining and Controversial Vice President

Former U.S. presidents, lawmakers and longtime Republican colleagues gathered on Nov. 20 at Washington National Cathedral to honor former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at age 84 after complications from neumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.

The funeral service began at 11 a.m. ET, drawing major political figures from across the country. Former President George W. Bush, who relied heavily on Cheney during his administration, delivered a tribute remembering Cheney as “a calm and steady presence” during some of America’s most challenging moments. Former President Joe Biden also attended the service.

Cheney, one of the most influential and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history, served under President Bush and was widely known for his strong advocacy of executive power and his central role in shaping post-9/11 foreign policy. His involvement in the Iraq War, driven by faulty intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, remains a defining and controversial part of his legacy.

While many Republican leaders attended the private service, former President Donald Trump — frequently criticized by Cheney — did not attend, the White House confirmed.

Speakers at the funeral included Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, former Rep. Liz Cheney, several grandchildren, and former Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams.

Security Tight at Washington National Cathedral

Early in the morning, security teams, media personnel, and military members gathered outside the cathedral, where metal detectors and tight screening procedures were in place for the invitation-only ceremony.

Cheney’s Legacy: From Congress to the Iraq War

Cheney’s political career began decades earlier. He served as a Republican congressman from Wyoming, later becoming Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush. He also held prominent roles under President Gerald Ford, including White House Chief of Staff.

But Cheney’s legacy is most strongly tied to the Iraq War, which resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 Iraqi civilians and 4,492 U.S. service members, and cost the U.S. more than $700 billion. Despite controversy, many allies credit Cheney with guiding the U.S. through one of its most turbulent eras.