World Peace

What’s up with Dick Cheney, JD Vance & Trump?

GoogleAI Mode: “The current relationship between Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Dick Cheney is defined by intense political animosity, which is particularly notable following Cheney’s recent death and the subsequent funeral arrangements. 

Dick Cheney vs. Trump and Vance

Dick Cheney, a lifelong conservative, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump in his later years, especially after the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and his daughter Liz Cheney’s prominent role on the investigative committee. 

Public Condemnation: In 2022, Cheney described Trump as a “coward” and the “greatest threat to our republic”.

Political Opposition: Both Dick and Liz Cheney actively campaigned against Trump, with Dick Cheney endorsing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Funeral Exclusion: As a result of this deep-seated acrimony, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited to Cheney’s funeral, which is taking place today, November 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. The service is a bipartisan event attended by other former presidents and vice presidents. 

Trump & Vance’s Reactions

Neither President Trump nor Vice President Vance has offered public condolences for Cheney’s death. 

Trump’s Silence: The White House confirmed Trump was “aware” of Cheney’s passing and ordered flags lowered to half-staff as required by law, but offered no personal statement. Trump had previously called Cheney an “irrelevant RINO” (Republican In Name Only).

Vance’s Criticism: Vice President Vance publicly mocked Cheney’s tenure shortly after his death. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commented that Cheney “seemed to be actually running the country” during George W. Bush’s presidency, Vance interjected, “Not very well, as it turns out”. Vance is also not attending the funeral, reportedly participating in a fireside chat with a conservative publication at the time of the service.”

Were any of them ever friends?

GoogleAI Mode: “Donald Trump and Dick Cheney were never close friends, and Cheney’s relationship with JD Vance was primarily characterized by political disagreement.

Donald Trump and Dick Cheney

The relationship between Trump and Cheney was complex and evolved over time, ultimately ending in a major schism. 

Initial Support (2016): Despite a history of personal criticism, Cheney, a lifelong hardline conservative, endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

Long-standing Animosity: Even with the 2016 endorsement, Trump had expressed “long-standing disdain” for Cheney, stating in 2011 that he “didn’t like Cheney when he was a vice president”. The two had major policy differences, with Trump frequently accusing the Bush-Cheney administration of leading the U.S. into “endless wars”.

Final Break: The relationship deteriorated significantly after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cheney, along with his daughter Liz Cheney, became a fierce critic of Trump, culminating in Cheney calling Trump a “coward” and the “greatest threat to our republic” in a 2022 campaign ad for his daughter. In the 2024 election, Cheney formally endorsed the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. 

JD Vance and Dick Cheney

There is no indication that JD Vance and Dick Cheney had a personal friendship or working relationship.

Vance, representing a different wing of the Republican party that is often skeptical of foreign interventionism, has been critical of Cheney’s policies.

The relationship was purely adversarial by the end, with Vance publicly mocking Cheney’s vice-presidential tenure shortly after his death, saying he “wasn’t running the country very well”.”

Are they all in the party? Why was JD mocking Cheney?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, all three were members of the Republican Party, but the party’s direction evolved dramatically, leading to a deep and public fracture. Dick Cheney, who died recently, represented an older, establishment wing of the GOP, which clashed with the modern, populist movement led by Donald Trump and JD Vance. 

Political Party Affiliation

Dick Cheney: A lifelong, hardline conservative Republican who served in multiple high-ranking positions under Republican presidents, including Vice President to George W. Bush. In his final years, however, his opposition to Donald Trump was so strong that he endorsed the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election, stating Trump was the “greatest threat to our republic”.

Donald Trump: The leader of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, which represents a significant shift in the Republican Party’s platform, particularly on foreign policy and trade. He currently serves as the President of the United States.

JD Vance: Currently the Vice President of the United States, Vance is a prominent figure in the post-liberal, national conservative wing of the Republican party and a staunch ally of President Trump. He was once a “Never Trump guy” but later changed his views and won Trump’s endorsement for his Senate run. 

Why JD Vance Mocked Cheney

JD Vance mocked Dick Cheney shortly after Cheney’s death because Cheney represented the very “GOP establishment” and foreign policy approach that the Trump-Vance movement vehemently opposes. 

Policy Differences: Vance and Trump are critical of the “endless wars” and foreign interventionism associated with the Bush-Cheney administration. Vance has argued that critics like Cheney wanted the U.S. to “police the world” and engage in “ridiculous conflicts”.

Public Dig: During a public discussion with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the role of the Vice President, Kennedy noted that Cheney “seemed to be actually running the country” during George W. Bush’s presidency. Vance interjected with a laugh, “Not very well, as it turns out,” a comment that emphasized his disagreement with Cheney’s legacy and policies, even at a sensitive time.

Political Theater: Vance’s comment was seen as a way to reinforce the divide between the current MAGA-led Republican Party and the traditional, establishment conservatism of the past, as the Trump administration seeks to cement its vision for the future of the party.”

Is it not in poor taste to mock a government official after his passing without an opportunity to reply?

GoogleAI Mode: “Whether mocking a government official after their death without an opportunity for them to reply is in poor taste is a matter of opinion and subjective judgment, not objective fact.

There are differing viewpoints on this issue:

Some argue that the deceased are no longer able to defend themselves or respond, making such mockery disrespectful to their memory and their grieving family and friends. This perspective often emphasizes the principle of “de mortuis nil nisi bonum” (of the dead, nothing unless good), suggesting a need for a period of mourning and respect.

Others argue that public figures, by virtue of their position, are subject to public criticism and satire, which are essential components of free speech and political discourse. From this viewpoint, death does not erase their public record or shield them from continued commentary on their actions, policies, or character, even if that commentary is harsh.

Furthermore, some cultural and political contexts have different norms regarding satire and free expression, which influence perceptions of what is appropriate or “in poor taste.” 

Ultimately, the determination of whether such behavior is appropriate depends entirely on individual and societal values.”

Explain: He was once a “Never Trump guy” but later changed his views and won Trump’s endorsement for his Senate run.

GoogleAI Mode: “The person described is J.D. Vance, currently a U.S. Senator from Ohio and the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2024 election. 

In 2016, Vance was a prominent critic of Donald Trump and a self-described “Never Trump guy”. During that time, he referred to Trump as an “idiot” and privately compared him to “America’s Hitler”. He also wrote an op-ed stating, “Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation’s highest office”. 

However, Vance later changed his views, expressing regret for his past criticism and stating that he was wrong about Trump. By the time he launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Ohio in 2021, his political stance had shifted to align with the “America First” agenda. He met with Trump in February 2021 and apologized for his previous comments. 

This change in stance led to him winning Donald Trump’s crucial endorsement in the crowded Republican primary for the Ohio Senate seat in April 2022, which significantly boosted his campaign. Vance went on to win the primary and then the general election for the Senate. He has since become one of Trump’s most vocal and loyal defenders in the Senate.”

Why would JD Vance call Trump America’s Hitler?

GoogleAI Mode: “In a private message from 2016, J.D. Vance stated he went “back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical a**hole like Nixon… or that he’s America’s Hitler” due to concerns that Trump was a demagogue preying on working-class anxieties. 

Vance’s reasoning for this sentiment at the time included:

Concerns about character and fitness for office: Vance privately and publicly called Trump “reprehensible,” an “idiot,” a “moral disaster,” and “unfit for our nation’s highest office”.

Fear of demagoguery: Vance’s former roommate indicated that Vance believed if the Republican Party continued to ignore the working class, a demagogue would emerge, and he believed Trump was “that guy who is exploiting the working class”.

Trump’s appeal: Vance felt Trump was using rhetoric that resonated with the working class by projecting complex problems onto simple villains, and described his support as rooted in racism or xenophobia.

Behavioral and moral concerns: Vance criticized Trump’s behavior, including the Access Hollywood tape, and expressed dismay when fellow Christians defended him. 

Vance was a self-described “Never Trump guy” during the 2016 election, stating he could not “stomach Trump” and ultimately voted for a third-party candidate. 

Vance’s change of tune:
Since then, Vance has reversed his position, becoming one of Trump’s staunchest allies and his vice-presidential running mate. Vance has publicly stated that he was “wrong” about Trump, arguing that he did not think Trump would be a good president, but that he “was a great president”. His political evolution has led some critics to question if his shift was driven by opportunism rather than a genuine change in ideology.”

Explain: His political evolution has led some critics to question if his shift was driven by opportunism rather than a genuine change in ideology.

GoogleAI Mode: “Critics question if J.D. Vance’s political shift was driven by opportunism due to the dramatic reversal of his strongly held public and private criticisms of Donald Trump, which coincided with his pursuit of political office and the need for Trump’s endorsement in the Trump-leaning state of Ohio. 

The primary reasons for this skepticism include:

Stark contrast in past and current views: Vance went from calling Trump “America’s Hitler,” “noxious,” “racist,” and “unfit” in 2016 to becoming one of his most ardent defenders and his running mate.

Political timing: Vance only fully embraced Trumpism when he decided to run for the Senate in 2022. Securing Trump’s endorsement was widely seen as essential to winning the Republican primary and general election in a “MAGA”-aligned state like Ohio.

Shift in policy positions: His views on key issues, such as climate change and trade, appeared to change after receiving significant campaign donations from relevant industries (e.g., oil and gas) or to align with Trump’s “America First” platform, suggesting a lack of core conviction.

Personal ambition: Critics argue that Vance’s “moral conviction gave way to raw ambition,” pointing out his rapid ascent from obscurity to a vice presidential candidate in a few short years.

Perceived change in persona: His public image has transformed from an “introspective writer” to a “hostile and divisive persona” and “culture warrior” who engages in social media fights, which some see as a calculated move to appeal to the MAGA base. 

Vance has explained his change of heart by stating he was “wrong” about Trump’s presidency, arguing he initially focused too much on “stylistic” differences and came to agree with Trump’s substantive policies on trade and foreign policy. However, critics largely view this explanation as a “cynical ploy” and a “capitulation” driven by a desire for political power rather than a genuine ideological conversion.”

Why did Cheney call Trump: “greatest threat to our republic?”

GoogleAI Mode: “Both Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, have called Donald Trump the “greatest threat to our republic” due to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and his continued use of what they describe as authoritarian and violent rhetoric. 

Their reasoning includes:

Attempting to overturn an election: They argue that Trump attempted to “steal” the 2020 election by promoting lies and unfounded claims of widespread fraud, a move they consider a direct assault on the Constitution and the peaceful transfer of power.

Inciting violence and the January 6th attack: They state that Trump “summoned a violent mob” to the U.S. Capitol and then, for hours, refused to tell them to leave while police officers were being brutally beaten. They view this as a fundamental breach of his oath of office.

Prioritizing self-interest over the Constitution: Liz Cheney has repeatedly said that “the single greatest threat to our republic is a president who would put his own self-interest above the Constitution, above the national interest”.

Authoritarian and dictatorial behavior: They point to Trump’s language and actions as those of a “petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant”. This includes his suggestions of jailing political opponents (like members of the Jan. 6th committee) and using violent rhetoric against critics.

Undermining democratic institutions: The Cheneys assert that Trump is attempting to “unravel the foundations of our constitutional republic” and that his actions demonstrate he “can never be trusted with power again”. 

In a 2022 campaign ad for his daughter, Dick Cheney explicitly stated: “In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump”.”

What instances show Trump prioritizing self-interest over the Constitution, according to the Cheneys?

GoogleAI Mode: “According to Liz and Dick Cheney, specific instances where Donald Trump prioritized his self-interest over his constitutional duty include his extensive efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. 

Key instances cited by the Cheneys include:

A “seven-part plan” to overturn the election: Liz Cheney detailed what she described as a sophisticated plan to prevent the peaceful transfer of power, including spreading false claims of a stolen election and pressuring various officials to change the results.

Pressuring the Vice President: Trump corruptly pressured then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject certified electoral votes, despite knowing this was unconstitutional and illegal.

Coercing state and federal officials: He pressured state election officials and legislators to alter vote counts and sought to replace the Acting Attorney General with someone who would support his fake election claims.

Inciting the January 6th attack: Trump summoned a violent mob to Washington, D.C., directed them to the Capitol, and then, for hours, ignored pleas to stop the violence, effectively abandoning his duty as commander-in-chief to protect the Capitol and law enforcement.

Proposing the termination of the Constitution: Liz Cheney has highlighted a specific instance where Trump suggested considering the “termination” of the Constitution to pursue his goals as evidence that he is an “enemy of the Constitution”.

Threatening political opponents: Both Cheneys have pointed to Trump’s use of authoritarian tactics, such as his threats to jail members of the Jan. 6th committee, as an assault on the rule of law and an indication he would not abide by court rulings in a second term.

Using the presidency for personal financial gain: Concerns have been raised about the numerous potential conflicts of interest and violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clauses during his first term, which critics argue put personal profit above public duty. 

These actions, the Cheneys argue, demonstrate a pattern of behavior where Trump is willing to violate his oath of office and undermine democratic institutions to retain power.”

What are examples of Trump attempting to use presidential powers for personal gain or to challenge democratic processes?

GoogleAI Mode: “Critics and legal experts point to numerous actions by Donald Trump that they argue represent a use of presidential power for personal gain or to challenge democratic processes. 

Using Presidential Power for Personal Gain

Examples cited as potential self-enrichment and conflicts of interest include:

Monetizing the Presidency: Trump maintained ownership of his business organization while in office, leading to an estimated $1.6 billion in reported outside revenue, which critics argue created countless conflicts of interest with government decisions.

Direct Payments from Federal Agencies: The U.S. government, including the Secret Service, spent millions of taxpayer dollars at Trump-owned properties for accommodations and services, often at rates above the government per diem.

Foreign Government Payments: Foreign dignitaries and special interest groups (including from countries like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia) stayed at Trump’s Washington D.C. hotel and other properties, raising concerns about potential violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clauses and influence-buying.

Steering Government Business: Critics allege that Trump’s administration promoted companies run by supporters and steered federal contracts to allies.

Pardons for Allies/Donors: The use of pardon power to grant clemency to political allies, family members, and major campaign donors has been described by critics as a transactional use of presidential authority. 

Challenging Democratic Processes

Examples cited as attempts to undermine democratic institutions and norms include:

Efforts to Overturn the 2020 Election: Trump engaged in a multi-pronged effort to reverse the 2020 election results, including spreading false claims of widespread fraud, pressuring state election officials to change vote counts, and attempting to coerce then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject certified electoral votes.

The January 6th Capitol Attack: Critics argue Trump incited a mob to march on the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and certification of the election results, a direct challenge to a foundational democratic process.

Politicizing the Justice Department: He ended the post-Watergate norm of an independent Justice Department, directing investigations into his political opponents and critics and firing career officials, which critics called a “weaponization” of the federal government for personal and political retribution.

Undermining the Judiciary and Congress: Trump repeatedly attacked federal judges who ruled against him and the courts in general, and frequently ignored congressional subpoenas and oversight requests, which critics argue was an attempt to obliterate the system of checks and balances.

Dismantling Ethics and Oversight: He fired numerous independent inspectors general and other watchdogs within the executive branch who were tasked with accountability, replacing them with political loyalists to circumvent oversight.

Targeting the Press and Civil Society: He used the power of his office to attack and threaten the tax-exempt status of news organizations, universities, and non-profits that were critical of his administration or policies, an action legal experts described as authoritarian and a threat to free speech.

Executive Overreach: Trump was accused of using national emergency declarations and executive orders to implement policies (such as building a border wall with congressionally-redirected funds) that Congress had explicitly rejected or that legal experts found unconstitutional.”

How should the world remember Dick Cheney?

GoogleAI Mode: “Dick Cheney will be remembered as one of the most powerful, influential, and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history, a figure central to shaping America’s response to the 9/11 attacks and a key architect of the Iraq War. His legacy is marked by fierce debate over the balance of national security, presidential power, and civil liberties. 

Key Aspects of His Legacy

Expansion of Presidential Power: Cheney was a staunch proponent of a strong, “unitary executive” theory, significantly expanding the power of the presidency, especially in wartime, a move that critics argue concentrated too much authority in the executive branch beyond legislative or judicial oversight.

Architect of the Iraq War: He was the primary advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, promoting intelligence (which was later proven false) that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and had ties to Al-Qaeda. The ensuing conflict, which became a long and deadly quagmire, is a central and controversial part of his legacy.

“War on Terror” Policies: Cheney helped design the U.S. response to the 9/11 attacks, which included advocating for controversial “enhanced interrogation techniques” (described by critics as torture), warrantless domestic surveillance, and the establishment of detention sites like Guantanamo Bay. He remained unapologetic about these methods, maintaining they were necessary to keep the nation safe.

Most Powerful Vice President: By cultivating a unique “understanding” with President George W. Bush, Cheney transformed the vice presidency from a largely ceremonial role into a center of real power, attending key meetings (including the President’s Daily Brief) and wielding immense influence over policy decisions.

Party Evolution and Later Years: Initially a beloved figure in the Republican party, his influence waned in his later years. He became a prominent critic of Donald Trump, viewing him as a “greatest threat to our republic”, and publicly supported his daughter Liz Cheney’s stand against the former president, illustrating the deep ideological shifts within the GOP. 

Ultimately, how the world remembers Dick Cheney depends on individual perspectives: as a decisive, experienced public servant who made tough choices to protect the U.S. after 9/11, or as a figure who led the nation into a misbegotten war and compromised core democratic values in the pursuit of power and security.”