The passing of former US Vice President Dick Cheney has sparked a wave of tributes and reflections, but notably, there has been a conspicuous silence from two key figures: President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was a polarizing figure in American politics. Widely regarded as the most powerful and controversial vice president in US history, Cheney's legacy is intertwined with the Bush administration's war on terrorism post-9/11, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
However, Cheney's relationship with Trump and the Republican Party soured significantly. In a 2022 television ad, Cheney didn't hold back, stating, "In our nation's history, Donald Trump poses the greatest threat to our republic." He accused Trump of attempting to steal the last election through lies and violence, adding, "He's a coward. A real man wouldn't lie to his supporters."
Cheney's death on Monday night, attributed to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, has left a void in American political discourse. While the White House lowered its flags to half-mast, Trump and Vance have remained silent, offering no personal acknowledgment of Cheney's passing.
At a press briefing, Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, sidestepped questions about Cheney's death, stating that the White House wasn't involved in funeral planning or hadn't gotten to it yet. Meanwhile, Trump's social media activity that morning focused on elections and his usual targets, including a Jewish person voting for Zohran Mamdani, the frontrunner for New York City mayor.
Cheney's critics, even in the aftermath of his death, have been vocal. Kenneth Roth, a lawyer and former leader of Human Rights Watch, highlighted Cheney's "lawless" approach to the war on terror, including torture and forced disappearances.
But here's where it gets controversial: Cheney's staunch opposition to Trump doesn't erase the concerns raised about his own policies and actions. The question remains: Can one's opposition to a controversial figure absolve them of their own controversial past?
And this is the part most people miss: Cheney's influence extended beyond his vice presidency. As a defense secretary and chief of staff, he held significant power and shaped American foreign policy. His predictions about a swift and successful military operation in Iraq, and the belief that US forces would be "greeted as liberators," didn't align with reality.
As we reflect on Cheney's legacy, it's crucial to consider the full scope of his impact on American politics and foreign policy.
What are your thoughts on Cheney's legacy and the silence from Trump and Vance? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
