Former Representative Liz Cheney shared reflections on political loyalty during her father’s funeral on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in a speech seen as indirectly addressing President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters.
Addressing attendees at Washington National Cathedral, Cheney honored her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3 at age 84. The service saw a significant turnout of political figures, including two former presidents and all four living former vice presidents. Absent from the event were Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were not invited.
During her eulogy, Cheney mentioned how her father’s political journey began with a speech by President John F. Kennedy at the University of Wyoming. Her remarks extended beyond a typical biographical tribute.
“Though he was inspired to service by President Kennedy, Dick Cheney became a Republican,” she stated. “But he knew that bonds of party must always yield to the single bond we share as Americans. For him, a choice between defense of the Constitution and defense of your political party was no choice at all.”
This comment resonated, given the Cheney family’s complicated relationship with Trump. Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, initially supported Trump’s 2016 campaign. However, his stance shifted following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
By 2022, Dick Cheney had labeled Trump a “coward,” marking a significant change from his previous support. He ultimately voted for Democratic candidate and then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, showing his break from Trump’s Republican Party.
The White House’s response to Cheney’s death was notably subdued. Trump did not issue public condolences, while Vance made a brief remark, referring to Cheney as “a guy who served his country.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under Trump, also spoke at the service. Pence recalled Cheney commending him for certifying the 2020 election results despite facing threats from Trump supporters. Pence’s account highlighted Cheney’s dedication to constitutional duties over partisan allegiance.
Liz Cheney has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism since January 6. As a congresswoman, she was part of a small group of Republicans investigating the insurrection and Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. This led to her distancing from Republican loyalists and receiving threats from Trump.
Cheney’s decision to challenge Trump carried political consequences. She faced ostracism from Republican loyalists, in contrast to her father’s era, when the party was not as divided over loyalty to a single leader.
Despite controversy, Dick Cheney’s legacy as a conservative leader from a different Republican era remains significant. His role in the Iraq War and impact on Middle East stability were contentious, but his influence spanned multiple Republican administrations before the party’s shift under Trump.
The funeral service brought together political figures from various generations and ideologies, highlighting Cheney’s extensive career and connections in Washington, D.C. The absence of current White House leaders underscored the division between traditional Republicans and Trump’s faction.
In her eulogy, Liz Cheney emphasized her father’s commitment to constitutional values and national unity over party allegiance, contrasting with today’s political climate, where loyalty to Trump has become a key aspect for many Republicans.
