Joe Biden, His Wife Jill, and More Attend Dick Cheney's Funeral

Noticeably absent from the funeral was the President of the United States. Although no official reason for his absence was given, a publication provided context for the snub.

In a deeply solemn farewell to one of the nation's most powerful political figures, all eyes were on Washington's elite — but two women, in particular, stole the spotlight online for all the wrong reasons. On November 20, 2025, the funeral of former U.S. Vice President Richard B. "Dick" Cheney took place in Washington, D.C.

Among the esteemed dignitaries present were former U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, former U.S. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who sparked a flurry of comments online for her facial expressions. Also in attendance was former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who garnered attention for laughing at the sombre occasion.

All Eyes on the Front Row

Inside the grand halls of the Washington National Cathedral, an air of reverence hung heavy as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to one of the most consequential political figures of recent decades. Joe and Jill arrived in coordinated black attire, both solemn in posture, with Jill donning a white scarf that stood out against her dark ensemble.

She exchanged brief words and soft nods with fellow attendees before taking her seat beside her husband in the front row — a moment that would later spark an unexpected online conversation due to her expression in a widely circulated image.

Prior to their arrival, Kamala, dressed in classic black with understated jewelry, greeted other dignitaries with a warm smile and visible ease. Video footage captured her sharing lighthearted moments and laughs with attendees before shaking hands with Joe and engaging in conversation with Jill.

The brief exchange — cordial and familiar — unfolded as former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush arrived and took their seats nearby, rounding out a tableau of past administrations paying tribute.

Cameras from CNBC-TV18 captured the movement of the mourners as they filed in, found their seats, and exchanged polite greetings — all under the shadow of the cathedral's soaring arches and the weight of a national goodbye.

Kamala Harris' Curiously Timed Laughter and Jill Biden's Face Capture Attention Online

After the solemn event, it wasn't long before the internet zeroed in on a few standout moments from the funeral coverage. Much of the online commentary was directed at Jill and Kamala, whose expressions and interactions became unexpected focal points.

"Dr. Jill Biden's face says it all," remarked one viewer, while another observed, "The look 👀 on Jill's face is priceless." Someone else highlighted, "Jill's body language. 😂," while another echoed the sentiment, "Jill kinda rolling her eyes 🤣."

One viewer was particularly struck by Jill's expression, stating, "The side-eye from Jill Biden got me." At the same time, Kamala's demeanor sparked its own round of discussion.

"Strange, Kamala Harris is laughing at a funeral," wrote one netizen. Another asked bluntly, "Why is Kamala laughing like this at a Funeral?? [sic]." A fellow commenter added, "She laughs in every occasions, Jill's facial expression is interesting [sic]."

But Where Was the Commander-in-Chief?

While the attention inside the cathedral centered on the poignant farewell to Dick Cheney and the subtle gestures of those present, just as notable was the absence of a key political figure. U.S. President Donald Trump was reportedly not invited to Dick's funeral.

While no official reason was given, news outlet Axios, citing a source familiar with the matter, noted that the decision may have stemmed from political tensions between the two men in recent years.

Circumstances Surrounding the U.S. President Not Being Invited

According to Axios, sitting presidents are traditionally invited to funerals honoring former vice presidents. But in Donald's case, his exclusion may have stemmed from a long-standing public rift with Dick — once an ally, later a critic.

Dick, who served under George W. for two terms, initially supported Donald, but their relationship deteriorated over time.

After the January 6 Capitol riot, Dick became one of Donald's most outspoken Republican critics. In a 2022 campaign ad for his daughter, Liz Cheney, he openly called Donald a "coward."

Their falling out deepened after Liz helped lead the House committee investigating the Capitol attack. In response, Donald repeatedly criticized her, including a 2023 social media post that sparked bipartisan backlash for its aggressive tone.

In the 2024 election cycle, Liz stated she planned to vote for Democratic candidate Kamala, adding that her father would do the same. Like Donald, current U.S. Vice President JD Vance was also not invited, according to Associated Press (AP).

Heartfelt Messages From Liz Cheney, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden as Leaders Gather to Honor Dick Cheney

As reported by AP, along with Liz and George W., Joe attended the funeral and delivered tributes to the late former vice president.

Joe, who once called Dick "the most dangerous" vice president the nation has probably had in American history, set political differences aside to recognize Dick's public service and devotion to family.

George W., who chose Dick as his running mate in 2000, remembered him as "solid and rare and reliable," praising his steady leadership and preference for staying out of the spotlight.

In her eulogy, Liz spoke of her father's deep commitment to country and principle. Though she did not name Donald, her message was pointed, "Bonds of party must always yield to the single bond we share as Americans."

The funeral brought together a broad spectrum of American political figures. Aside from Kamala, George W., and Joe, those present were former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and former House Speakers Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner.

While he was not invited to the funeral, JD reportedly spoke at a separate event, where he acknowledged political differences with Dick but extended condolences to his family.

Surrounded by Love in His Final Moments

As previously reported, Dick died at the age of 84. His family confirmed that the staunch conservative titan died on November 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as complex as it was commanding. The statement from the Cheney family paints a tender picture of his final hours.

"His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed," it reads. The cause of death? "The former vice president died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease."

Stricken, Scarred, and Still Standing: The Vice President Who Refused to Fall

Over the years, Dick had danced far too often with death. From battling a lifetime of heart attacks to surviving a brazen Taliban suicide bombing, and even accidentally shooting a man in the face, Dick's life has read like a political thriller with the body count to match.

In March 2012, at the age of 71, Dick's office revealed he had undergone heart transplant surgery. The operation took place at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. His staff disclosed that Dick had been waiting silently and patiently on the transplant list for more than 20 months.

"Although the former vice president and his family do not know the identity of the donor," the office added, "they will be forever grateful for this lifesaving gift." The politician's heart had long been his greatest adversary.

Dick had suffered at least five heart attacks since 1978, the first at just 37 years old. In June 2010, just two years before his transplant, Dick was rushed to George Washington University Hospital due to complications from coronary artery disease.

To keep him alive, doctors implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a machine that helped his failing heart continue pumping blood. Back in June 2001, irregular rhythms forced doctors to install a pacemaker, an ominous sign that Dick's health had been declining behind closed doors for years.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Lynne, Liz, and Mary, and the entire Cheney family, their friends, other loved ones, community, and the nation, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Dick.