Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at the age of 84.
His family confirmed that the former US vice president passed away on Monday due to complications from pneumonia and long-standing heart and vascular disease.
A dominant Republican voice for decades, Cheney served as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush, overseeing US operations during the 1991 Gulf War. He later became vice president under George W. Bush, where he emerged as a central force in shaping post-9/11 US policies.
Often seen as the most influential member of the Bush administration, Cheney played a key role in pushing for the 2003 Iraq invasion—based on claims of weapons of mass destruction and links to 9/11, which were later proven false. Despite the criticism, Cheney never retracted his position.
Former President George W. Bush, in a statement, described him as “a patriot who served his country with integrity and purpose.”
Cheney’s career was marked by both accomplishment and controversy. He was known for his secretive style, tough stance on national security, and support for enhanced interrogation methods. In 2006, he accidentally shot a friend during a hunting trip, an incident that drew global attention.
After leaving office, Cheney’s relationship with the Republican Party cooled as his daughter Liz Cheney became a vocal critic of Donald Trump.
Despite his hardline conservatism, Cheney publicly supported his younger daughter Mary, who is gay, saying, “Freedom means freedom for everyone.”
Born in Nebraska and raised in Wyoming, Cheney’s political journey began in the Nixon and Ford administrations. He later served six terms in Congress and was Halliburton’s CEO before returning to public office.
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