The funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died earlier this month, is set to take place this week, attended by family members and political figures.
Cheney, a polarizing figure who served as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, played a key role in shaping U.S. national and international policy, most notably the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He died on November 3 at the age of 84 “due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease,” according to a statement from his family.
When Is Dick Cheney’s Funeral?
The funeral service for Cheney is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital.
“Vice President Cheney devoted decades of his life to public service at the highest levels of government,” the Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean of Washington National Cathedral, said in a statement. “His life was marked by deep dedication to his family and to the country he served. We pray for his family and all who loved him.”
The cathedral’s announcement states the service is invite-only, with heightened security protocols in place.
Will President Donald Trump Attend the Funeral?
Newsweek emailed the White House to confirm whether the president, the first lady, or any Trump administration official would attend the funeral.
Trump has remained conspicuously silent on Cheney’s passing, offering no public tribute or statement on social media or through official channels. The White House acknowledged Cheney’s passing only briefly, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that the president was “aware” and that flags had been lowered to half-staff “in accordance with statutory law”—a gesture widely seen as perfunctory rather than heartfelt.
Analysts suggest the muted response reflects Trump’s long-standing animosity toward Cheney, who had branded Trump the greatest “threat to our republic” and endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
Which Former Presidents and Politicians Are Attending the Funeral?
Former President George W. Bush will deliver a tribute at the funeral, according to a statement from the cathedral.
It is not uncommon for high-profile political figures from both parties to attend presidential funerals. At former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January—the last major funeral service held at Washington National Cathedral—Cheney was the only living former vice president not in attendance. Then-President Joe Biden was there, along with the other four living former presidents: Trump, Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Newsweek asked a cathedral spokesperson if other former presidents and vice presidents will be present.
It is likely, though not confirmed, that other figures from the Bush administration will attend, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Former Secretary of State James Baker and former Attorney General Bill Barr, who both served in the cabinet of former President George H.W. Bush alongside Cheney when he was secretary of defense, might also attend.
Who Is Speaking at the Service?
In addition to Bush, tributes will also be heard from Pete Williams, who worked for Cheney in his congressional office and at the Defense Department as a spokesperson, and Cheney’s cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner; the former vice president had a long history of heart problems, culminating in a transplant in 2012.
Cheney’s grandchildren and his eldest daughter, Liz Cheney, the Republican former Wyoming representative who lost reelection in 2022 after speaking out against Trump, are also due to speak.
The cathedral also listed the following clergy as taking part in the funeral:
- The Most Reverend Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
- The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral (will offer the homily)
- The Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, Provost, Washington National Cathedral
- The Reverend Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan, Canon Precentor, Washington National Cathedral
- The Reverend Joshua D. Armstrong-Walters, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church
How to Watch Dick Cheney’s Funeral
The service will be livestreamed via the Cathedral’s website and its YouTube channel. Additionally, news networks will provide broadcast coverage.
Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today?
Flags across the U.S. are flying at half-staff to honor Cheney. Under federal law, the president directs flags to be lowered as a mark of respect following the death of a current or former vice president. This symbolic gesture, observed at government buildings and military installations nationwide, reflects the nation’s recognition of Cheney’s decades of public service.
