Vice President JD Vance launched a stinging critique of his predecessors, targeting the late Dick Cheney just nine days after his death, during a private gathering of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement in Washington D.C.
A Private Gathering and Public Rebuke
The controversial remarks came during a so-called 'fireside chat' with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The first-of-its-kind MAHA summit was a largely off-the-record event, with barely any journalists permitted access beyond a select few for the vice president's segment.
One speaker reportedly boasted about the private nature of the discussions, emphasising that the press was not invited. Despite the secrecy, the event demonstrated the considerable influence of the MAHA movement, attracting a host of notable figures.
Vance's Scathing Assessment of Vice Presidential Legacy
The conversation turned to the role of the vice president, with Kennedy noting that Dick Cheney was seen by many as "running the country" during George W. Bush's presidency. Vance immediately interjected with a laugh, stating, "Not very well, by the way." Kennedy conceded, "We agree on that."
Vance elaborated that the job's effectiveness is entirely contingent on the president one serves. He excoriated his direct predecessor, Kamala Harris, with a pointed, fake cough before saying her name. "You could have a president who has no trust in their vice president... Kamala Harris... And so it doesn't go very well for that particular vice president," Vance concluded.
The MAHA Movement's Growing Clout
The summit highlighted the reach of the MAHA initiative, which Vance praised as integral to securing Donald Trump's second term. He revealed that his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, is one of the 'original MAHA people' and is highly conscious about nutrition for their three children.
Other prominent individuals spotted at the exclusive event included:
- Republican Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna
- Former CDC Director Robert Redfield
- Former Trump communications official Katie Miller
- Actor and MAHA ally Russell Brand
The event, held just over a week after Cheney's death from complications due to pneumonia and vascular disease on November 3, has drawn criticism for its timing and the nature of the attacks on former officials.
