Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a key architect of the U.S. "War on Terror" and one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, has died aged 84. Image: AP.
(The Post News)– Dick Cheney, the former U.S. vice president who was one of the most influential yet divisive figures in American politics, died on Monday night at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family confirmed.
According to a statement released by the Cheney family, he was with Lynne, his wife of 61 years, and his daughters when he died. His family described him as a “great and good” man—he taught his children and grandchildren to love America and “to live with courage, honor, and kindness.”
A Key Architect of the Post-9/11 Era
Cheney was vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. He shaped the nation’s response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and was a leading proponent of the War on Terror, specifically the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, based on the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
Despite the absence of those weapons, Cheney persistently defended the decision, arguing that it overthrew a dangerous dictator and bolstered U.S. security.
Cheney had served more than four decades in public service, holding some of Washington’s most powerful positions: White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford, Secretary of Defence under George H.W. Bush, and Congressman for Wyoming.
As defense secretary, he oversaw the 1991 Gulf War, leading the U.S.-led coalition that freed Kuwait from Saddam Hussein’s forces. Cheney deeply believed in strong executive authority and worked to expand the powers of the presidency. He consistently fought senior Bush administration officials, including Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, on the direction of foreign policy.
A Divisive Legacy
The vice presidency of Cheney was defined by his aggressive approach to national security and his support for “enhanced interrogation techniques” that many abroad labelled as torture. Critics accused him of undermining civil liberties, but supporters praised his steadfast commitment to national defense.
Cheney became an outspoken critic of Donald Trump after he left office, most notably after his daughter, Liz Cheney, broke with her party to investigate Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol.
“In our nation’s history, no one has posed a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said in a 2022 ad in support of Liz’s re-election. Meanwhile, in a surprise political move, Cheney announced in 2024 that he would vote for Democrat Kamala Harris over Trump.
Cheney, who had his first of five heart attacks at age 37, later received a heart transplant in 2012. He frequently said he woke up each morning “thankful for the gift of another day.”
Cheney has remained active in political debate, despite years of health challenges, mentoring younger Republicans and defending his record. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Cheney, and their daughters, Liz and Mary Cheney.
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