Former United States Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he died on Monday night, November 3, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia and heart-related illnesses.
In a statement, his family described Cheney as “a great and good man” who taught his children and grandchildren to love their country and to live lives of courage, honour, and kindness. His wife Lynne, to whom he was married for 61 years, and their daughters Liz and Mary, were by his side during his final moments.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Richard Bruce Cheney built a political career that spanned more than five decades. He held several high-ranking positions in Washington, including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, a member of the US House of Representatives for Wyoming, and Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993.
Cheney became one of the most influential voices in President George W. Bush’s administration, serving as Vice President from 2001 to 2009. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he was instrumental in shaping the United States’ “war on terror” strategy, which led to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
He strongly believed that Iraq’s leader Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and ties to al-Qaeda—claims that were later proven false but significantly influenced US foreign policy for many years. Cheney often defended these decisions, arguing that the US had to confront terrorism with strength and persistence, even if it required decades of effort.
Before his vice presidency, Cheney served as chairman and CEO of Halliburton, a major energy company. His tenure there attracted attention because the company later secured lucrative contracts during the Iraq War.
Outside politics, Cheney was known for his love of outdoor activities, particularly fishing and hunting. In 2006, he made headlines after accidentally shooting a friend during a hunting trip in Texas, an incident that sparked widespread media attention.
In his later years, Cheney distanced himself from many members of his Republican Party. He openly criticized former President Donald Trump and made a surprising move in the 2024 US election by endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, calling her “a defender of the Constitution.”
Dick Cheney’s legacy remains deeply divisive. Supporters view him as a strong leader who guided America through a time of global insecurity, while critics accuse him of promoting policies that expanded presidential powers and led to long, costly wars.
His impact on American politics and foreign affairs, particularly after 9/11, continues to shape debates about leadership, national security, and the balance between freedom and power in the United States.