Washington— Dick Cheney, the hard-driving conservative who became one of the most powerful and divisive vice presidents in American history, died on Monday at the age of 84. His family said he passed away due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defence, and Vice President of the United States,” his family said in a statement. “He was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country and live lives of courage, honour, and kindness.”
Cheney, known for his quiet but commanding presence, served under both President George H.W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush. As defence secretary, he oversaw the U.S. military during the Persian Gulf War. Later, as vice president, he became one of the key architects of U.S. policy in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, strongly supporting expanded surveillance, detention, and interrogation programs.
Throughout George W. Bush’s presidency, Cheney was viewed as its chief operator — often shaping policy on Iraq, terrorism, and presidential powers behind the scenes. His influence, however, faded in Bush’s second term as the Iraq War dragged on and public criticism mounted.
A staunch advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Cheney falsely claimed links between Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 terrorists and insisted American troops would be welcomed as liberators. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, he maintained his position with unwavering conviction.
Cheney’s later years were marked by continued controversy and failing health. A survivor of five heart attacks, he received a heart transplant in 2012. He once admitted to disabling his pacemaker’s wireless function out of fear that terrorists might hack it.
His political feud with Donald Trump brought him renewed attention in recent years, especially after his daughter, Liz Cheney, emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal Republican critics. In 2022, Cheney called Trump “a greater threat to our republic than any individual in history” and publicly endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Cheney’s legacy remains sharply divided — admired by supporters for his steadfast leadership in turbulent times, and condemned by critics for policies that expanded executive power and reshaped U.S. foreign policy for decades.
He leaves behind his wife, Lynne Cheney, and two daughters, Liz and Mary Cheney.
