The passing of former US Vice President Dick Cheney has sparked a wave of tributes and reflections, but notably, there's been a conspicuous silence from two key figures: President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Cheney, widely recognized as the most influential and controversial vice president in US history, has left a complex legacy. His role as the architect of the Bush administration's war on terrorism post-9/11, including the 2003 Iraq invasion, has divided opinions.
But here's where it gets controversial: Cheney became a vocal critic of Trump and the Republican Party's embrace of Trumpism. In a 2022 TV ad, he boldly stated, "In our nation's history, no one has posed a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump."
Cheney's death, at 84, from complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, has been acknowledged by the White House with flags lowered to half-mast. However, Trump and Vance have remained silent, a stance that contrasts sharply with the tributes from former President George W. Bush and other Republican leaders.
Bush described Cheney as "among the finest public servants of his generation," praising his integrity and commitment to the freedom and security of the American people. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, spoke of Cheney's mentorship and patriotism.
Yet, the silence from Trump and his camp is notable, especially considering their past feud with Cheney's daughter, Liz, during the 2022 election campaign. This silence raises questions about the divisions within the Republican Party and the differing worldviews between Cheney's interventionist approach and Vance's isolationist stance.
And this is the part most people miss: Cheney's critics, even in the aftermath of his death, have not shied away from addressing his controversial legacy. Human Rights Watch's former leader, Kenneth Roth, highlighted Cheney's pursuit of an "utterly lawless approach" to the war on terror, including torture and indefinite detention without trial.
Cheney's unwavering belief in the success of the Iraq war, despite its prolonged nature and American casualties, has left a lasting impact on US foreign policy.
The question remains: Will Cheney's opposition to Trump overshadow his controversial legacy, or will it serve as a reminder of the impunity that can accompany high-level political decisions?
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!
