Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at 84 from pneumonia and heart complications, his family confirmed. Cheney, considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in US history, played a key role in shaping presidential power and US foreign policy under George W. Bush. He also expanded the office of the vice president into a strong policy hub.
Cheney strongly pushed for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, citing threats from alleged weapons of mass destruction. None were ever found, but he insisted the invasion was justified based on the intelligence at the time. He also defended “enhanced” interrogation techniques of terrorism suspects, which critics, including the UN, called torture. His decisions sparked global and domestic controversy.
Before becoming vice president, Cheney served as a congressman from Wyoming, US secretary of defense, and CEO of Halliburton. He directed US military operations in the first Gulf War and helped George W. Bush select him as running mate in 2000. Cheney’s career reflected strong conservative policies and a focus on national security.
Cheney faced lifelong health challenges, suffering multiple heart attacks and undergoing a heart transplant in 2012. His daughter Liz Cheney became a prominent Republican lawmaker, opposing Donald Trump and voting for his impeachment after the January 6 Capitol attack. Cheney publicly agreed with her position.
Cheney’s public image was a mix of respect and controversy. Late-night comedians nicknamed him “Darth Vader,” which he joked about. He survived a hunting accident in 2006 and continued to comment on politics and national security. Former colleagues and critics alike acknowledged his influence on modern US policy.