Trump Lowers Flags, Says Nothing About Dick Cheney’s Death
Dick Cheney, the “War on Terror” architect turned Donald Trump critic, is a divisive figure among both Democrats and Republicans. But he was vice-president for eight years and an influential figure in American politics. So following the news that Cheney died on Monday at the age of 84, many top Republicans found ways to pay tribute to him.
“Scripture is very clear: We give honor where honor is due,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson at his daily press conference. “The honor is certainly due to him.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, “Dick Cheney was a lifelong public servant who believed very deeply in our country and brought his considerable knowledge and intelligence to its service.”
Around midday on Tuesday, the White House said flags should fly at half-staff for Cheney. As the AP explained, a statement on the VP would usually precede the order to lower flags, but the White House has yet to say anything on his death:
An announcement or the issuance of a proclamation generally happens before the flags are lowered, but the White House did so without advance notice on Tuesday.
Press office aides confirmed the flags had been lowered in remembrance of the Republican former vice president.
Lest anyone think President Trump was simply too busy to say anything on the death of a giant in conservative politics, he posted on Truth Social seven times on Tuesday morning. In addition to sharing some more typical thoughts on various topics before voters this Election Day, Trump insulted Jewish Zohran Mamdani supporters:
He threatened to withhold SNAP benefits until after the government reopens:
And he mused about Morning Joe’s ratings:
At some point, Trump will have to say something about Cheney’s death. His silence on the matter is already getting awkward. Thune stalled when asked whether Cheney will lie in state, as The Hill reported:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said that Republican leadership staff is reviewing “protocol” about the possibility of former Vice President Dick Cheney lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda.
“I think we’re checking the protocols on that. I’ll let you know soon,” Thune told reporters Tuesday when asked about honoring the vice president by placing his flag-draped casket at the center of the rotunda, an honor usually reserved for former presidents.
When asked at her daily briefing if the president has spoken to anyone in the Cheney family or has any thoughts on funeral arrangements, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave a terse response.
“I don’t believe the White House is involved in that planning, or at least hasn’t gotten to it yet, she said. “I know the president is aware of the former vice president’s passing, and as you saw, flags have been lowered to half staff in according to a statutory law.”
Leavitt's tribute to Dick Cheney: "I know the president is aware of the former vice president's passing" pic.twitter.com/IIQqFJAObj
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 4, 2025
It’s no surprise the White House is struggling for the right words to say about Cheney. In addition to being the father of top Trump antagonist Liz Cheney, the former VP was vocal about his opposition to the president in his final years. In an ad for Liz Cheney’s unsuccessful effort to fight off a primary challenge from a MAGA candidate in 2022, Dick Cheney looked right into the camera and called Trump a threat to the nation.
“In our nation’s 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our Republic than Donald Trump,” he said.
Dick Cheney: “In our nation’s 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him” pic.twitter.com/cEPBinl0tF
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 4, 2025
As we’ve seen time and again, Trump doesn’t let even death get in the way of a good grudge.
This post was updated to include Leavitt’s comments.