Former US Vice President Dick Cheney Dies at 84

Former United States Vice President Dick Cheney, a towering figure in American politics known for his influential role during the George W. Bush administration, has passed away at the age of 84. Cheney died on Monday, 3 November 2025, at his home surrounded by family, due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. His death closes a chapter on a career that shaped U.S. foreign policy, from the post-9/11 “war on terror” to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, while also marking his later break from the Republican Party over Donald Trump.
Cheney’s family released a statement reflecting on his decades of service: “For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States.” Tributes have poured in, acknowledging his impact, though his legacy remains deeply divided – celebrated by some for defending American interests and condemned by others for policies that sparked wars and civil liberties debates.
Early Life and Rise in Politics
Born on 30 January 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up in Wyoming, a state that became his political base. He attended Yale University but dropped out, later earning a political science degree from the University of Wyoming. His entry into politics came during the Nixon era, where he served as White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977.
Cheney represented Wyoming in Congress for a decade starting in 1979, building a reputation as a conservative hawk. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed him Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw the 1991 Gulf War, leading a coalition to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces. After leaving office in 1993, Cheney entered the private sector as CEO of Halliburton, an energy services company, before returning to politics as Bush’s running mate in 2000.
Transformative Vice Presidency: Power Behind the Throne
Cheney served as the 46th Vice President from 2001 to 2009, redefining the role into one of immense power. Often seen as the “power behind the throne,” he advocated for expansive executive authority, especially in wartime, arguing the president should operate with minimal checks from Congress or courts.
Following the 9/11 attacks, Cheney was a driving force in the “war on terror,” pushing for invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. He promoted claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction – later debunked – to justify the war. His policies included enhanced interrogation (criticized as torture), secret renditions, and the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, sparking global debates on human rights.
Cheney’s neoconservative views shaped U.S. foreign policy, but the prolonged wars cost thousands of lives and trillions of dollars, drawing fierce criticism. Domestically, he faced scandals, including accidentally shooting a friend during a 2006 hunting trip and a 2004 incident where he used profanity against a senator on the Senate floor.
Health Battles: A Lifetime of Heart Issues
Cheney’s life was marked by serious health struggles, beginning with his first heart attack at age 37 in 1978. He suffered five in total, the last in 2010, and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 1988, angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation in 2001. In 2012, he received a heart transplant after 20 months on a waiting list, extending his life amid ongoing cardiac challenges. These issues never slowed his political drive, symbolizing his resilience.
Later Years: Breaking with Trump and Family Legacy
In retirement, Cheney co-authored books like his memoir “In My Time” and remained a vocal conservative voice. However, he made headlines by opposing Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, calling him a threat to democracy after the January 6 Capitol riot. Cheney endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris, a move that alienated many Republicans but aligned with his principles.
His daughter, Liz Cheney, a former Wyoming congresswoman, followed suit, becoming a prominent Trump critic and serving on the January 6 committee. This family stance highlighted Cheney’s shift from party loyalty to defending democratic norms in his final years.
Global Legacy: Influence and Division
Cheney’s impact on world affairs is profound and divisive. Supporters credit him with strong leadership post-9/11, while critics blame his policies for endless wars, human rights abuses, and instability in the Middle East. His advocacy for unchecked presidential power continues to influence debates on executive authority.
As tributes flow, Cheney’s death prompts reflection on an era defined by security fears and bold actions. He leaves behind his wife Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and grandchildren, remembered as a dedicated public servant whose choices shaped history.

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Dick Cheney

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney Dies at 84: A Legacy of Power and Controversy

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney Dies at 84

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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