WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the White House did not issue any public condolences following the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. However, flags at the Executive Mansion were lowered to half-staff as required by law.
Cheney, who passed away Monday at the age of 84, had been a frequent target of President Trump’s criticisms, often labeling him a “warmonger.” Their conflict extended to Cheney’s daughter, former Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who was the leading Republican on the House committee that investigated Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Both Dick and Liz Cheney supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris during last year’s election, with the former vice president describing Trump as the most significant threat to the nation since its inception.
During a routine briefing, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt raised questions, noting, “Last I checked, the president had not commented on the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Is the White House involved in any way with funeral arrangements?”
She continued, “Is the president planning to speak at the funeral? Did he reach out to anyone in the Cheney family today? And does the White House have an opinion on whether the former vice president should lie in honor or publicity on Capitol Hill?”
In response, Levitt replied shortly, “I don’t believe the White House is involved in that plan, or at least not yet. I know the president is aware of the death of the former vice president, and as you can see, the flags were lowered to half-staff in line with statutory law.”
The American Flag Act mandates that the flag be lowered “from the date of death until burial” following the demise of a former vice president.
In a statement endorsing Harris, Cheney remarked, “In our nation’s 248-year history, no one has posed a greater threat to our country than Donald Trump. He used lies and violence to try to steal the last election to remain in power after being rejected by voters. We cannot trust him with power again.”
