Oregon — Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential figures in modern American politics and a key architect of U.S. policy after the September 11 attacks, has died at age 84. His death was first reported by the New York Post and confirmed by his family on Tuesday morning (New York Post). According to family statements cited by Yahoo News, Cheney died from congestive heart failure (Yahoo News).
Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. A veteran of multiple Republican administrations, he played a decisive role in shaping defense, energy, and foreign policy, especially during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Before that, Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush, overseeing Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
In a statement released Tuesday, former President George W. Bush said:
“Dick Cheney was a superb Vice President, a fierce defender of freedom, and a dear friend. History will remember him as one of the most consequential public servants in American history.” (Bush Center)
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney’s career spanned more than four decades of public service. He worked as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, represented Wyoming in Congress for ten years, and later led Halliburton Company before returning to government in 2001.
Cheney’s influence over national security and executive authority left a lasting imprint on American governance. Supporters viewed him as a model of steadiness and resolve in a time of crisis, while critics faulted his role in expanding surveillance powers and justifying enhanced interrogation tactics.
He is survived by his wife, Lynne Cheney, and their daughters, Liz and Mary.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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