Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at 84, spent his final years clashing openly with the Republican Party. Despite his role in shaping its modern form, Cheney denounced the party’s direction under Donald Trump. In an impactful 2022 television advertisement, he supported his daughter Liz Cheney’s bid for reelection. Her criticism of Trump marked her as a solitary GOP voice.

Cheney condemned Trump as an irresponsibly dangerous leader, highlighting his rejection of transparency, the rule of law, and constitutional principles. This stance challenged the party that Cheney and his daughter once held significant influence over.

The Nation, established by abolitionists in 1865, has documented such political and cultural dynamics. It provides critical, independent, and progressive analysis of events like those involving Cheney.

Cheney’s presence at Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017 reflected his deep roots in the evolving Republican narrative. His eventual opposition exemplified his fundamental disagreement with the path chosen by the party he helped shape.