Washington, D.C. — Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most consequential and controversial figures in American political history, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he passed away late Sunday night from complications related to pneumonia and cardiovascular disease.
(Sources: AP News, NBC News, The Washington Post)
Cheney, who served as Vice President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was often described as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history — wielding vast influence over defense, intelligence, and foreign policy in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Before his tenure in the White House, Cheney built a formidable career in government. He served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, where he directed Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War, and earlier as White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford. He also represented Wyoming in Congress for more than a decade.
A shrewd strategist and unwavering conservative, Cheney was both admired and condemned. Supporters hailed him as a resolute guardian of American security, while critics charged him with promoting controversial policies — including enhanced interrogation tactics and the Iraq War. His years in power redefined the reach of the executive branch and reshaped U.S. foreign policy for generations.
Despite enduring numerous health struggles, including multiple heart attacks and a heart transplant in 2012, Cheney continued to make public appearances and comment on national security issues. In his later years, he watched his daughter Liz Cheney rise to prominence as a Republican congresswoman — and become one of the party’s most vocal critics of former President Donald Trump.
Cheney is survived by his wife Lynne and their two daughters, Liz and Mary. In a family statement, they remembered him as “a man of unwavering conviction, integrity, and deep devotion to his country and family.”
As tributes pour in from across the political spectrum, Cheney’s passing marks the end of an era — one defined by power, controversy, and an unrelenting belief in American strength. 🇺🇸
