Dick Cheney: Former U.S. Vice President and Republican Powerhouse Dies at 84
Richard Bruce “Dick” Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States who helped steer the nation through the September 11 attacks and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, has died at the age of 84.
His family confirmed that Cheney passed away on November 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, following complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. He is survived by his wife Lynne Cheney, his daughters Liz and Mary, and seven grandchildren.
“We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country,” his family said in a statement. “We are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
Who is Dick Cheney?
Born January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up in Casper, Wyoming, where he played football and met his future wife, Lynne Vincent. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wyoming, Cheney began his public service career in the late 1960s.
He worked under President Richard Nixon, and later became the youngest-ever White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford. Elected to Congress in 1978, Cheney represented Wyoming for six terms, eventually becoming House Minority Whip, respected for his integrity and leadership.
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Secretary of Defense and the Gulf War Legacy
In 1989, under President George H.W. Bush, Cheney became Secretary of Defense, overseeing Operation Desert Storm, the U.S.-led coalition that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. He was unanimously confirmed by the Senate — a testament to his bipartisan respect at the time.
After Bush’s loss in 1992, Cheney joined Halliburton, an energy and logistics company, serving as CEO from 1995 to 2000 before returning to politics.The Bush Years: Power, War, and Controversy
The Bush Years: Power, War, and Controversy
In 2000, Cheney was chosen as George W. Bush’s running mate, serving two terms as Vice President (2001–2009). His tenure was defined by his enormous influence on U.S. foreign policy — particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
While President Bush was evacuated to safety during 9/11, Cheney coordinated with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, shaping the immediate U.S. response and long-term counterterrorism strategy.
Cheney was a key architect of the “War on Terror,” the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and policies including indefinite detention and enhanced interrogation — which critics condemned as torture. Despite controversy, Cheney never expressed regret, famously saying,
“If I was faced with those circumstances again, I’d do exactly the same thing.”
His leadership during wartime made him a hero to conservatives and a symbol of excess power to critics. He was often nicknamed “Darth Vader” — a label he once said he embraced.
Personal Struggles and Later Life
Cheney battled serious heart problems for decades, surviving five heart attacks and receiving a heart transplant in 2012 after nearly two years on a waiting list.
He published his memoir, In My Time, in 2011, reflecting on his political journey and decisions. Even after leaving office, Cheney remained a prominent Republican voice, often criticizing President Barack Obama’s foreign policy as too soft.
In recent years, Cheney spoke out strongly against Donald Trump, calling him “the greatest threat to our republic in history.” In 2024, he made headlines by publicly endorsing Kamala Harris for president, saying he felt a duty to put “country above partisanship.”
Legacy of a Political Titan
Cheney’s career spanned more than five decades across five U.S. presidencies — Nixon, Ford, both Bush administrations, and his advisory influence beyond. His leadership shaped modern U.S. defense and foreign policy, for better or worse.
To his supporters, he was a patriot and statesman who protected America during its darkest hours. To his critics, he represented unchecked executive power and the lasting scars of post-9/11 wars.
Regardless of viewpoint, Dick Cheney leaves behind a complex and indelible mark on American history — as one of the most influential, controversial, and consequential figures in U.S. politics.
Personal Life, Faith, and Family
Cheney was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, becoming the first Methodist vice president to serve under a Methodist president.
His brother, Bob Cheney, worked for the Bureau of Land Management, while his wife, Lynne Cheney, is an accomplished author, historian, and former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1986–1996).
The couple had two daughters, Elizabeth (“Liz”) and Mary Cheney, and seven grandchildren.
Liz Cheney followed in her father’s footsteps as a U.S. Representative from Wyoming and gained national attention for opposing Donald Trump. Mary Cheney, who lives with her wife Heather Poe in Virginia, worked in politics and corporate communications. After leaving office, Cheney publicly supported same-sex marriage, a significant shift that reflected his evolving personal perspective.
Health Struggles and Cause of Death
Cheney’s health was a lifelong challenge. He suffered five heart attacks, the first at age 37 and the last in 2010, which led to a heart transplant in 2012. Despite these challenges, he continued to appear publicly until 2024.
On November 4, 2025, Cheney passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to a family statement. The official cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but sources close to the family indicated it was due to complications related to long-term cardiac illness.
Remembering a Defining Figure in U.S. Politics
Whether admired as a defender of American power or criticized for the wars he helped unleash, Dick Cheney reshaped the modern vice presidency and left a profound impact on global politics.
His influence, decisions, and unyielding commitment to his vision of national security will ensure his name remains a central chapter in America’s political history.
