Vice President Richard Bruce Cheney Dies at 84

Vice President Richard Bruce Cheney Dies at 84

Richard Bruce Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died recently after a life defined by service, influence, and controversy in American political history. Born January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney was raised in Casper, Wyoming, and went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from the University of Wyoming. His distinguished career spanned decades in government and private business, leaving an indelible mark on U.S. policy and world events.​

Cheney's entry into public service began in 1969 during the Nixon Administration, followed by pivotal roles in the Ford Administration—including service as White House Chief of Staff from 1975 to 1977. In 1978, Cheney was elected Wyoming’s lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until 1989 and quickly establishing a reputation for diligence, accessibility, and strong leadership within the House Republican ranks. His tenure culminated in election as House Minority Whip in 1989.​

In March 1989, Cheney accepted the role of Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush, overseeing Operation Just Cause in Panama and the landmark Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. For his Gulf War leadership, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. After leaving public office when the Bush administration ended, Cheney led Halliburton Company as chairman and CEO from 1995 to 2000, becoming a notable figure in American business.​

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Cheney returned to national prominence as George W. Bush’s choice for vice president in 2000. He brought extraordinary experience, swiftly becoming one of the most influential vice presidents in history. In office from 2001 to 2009, he played a central role in shaping responses to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and advocating for the administration’s national security policies, including the War on Terror and the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Cheney was a forceful defender of the Bush administration's use of wartime authorities, wiretapping, and enhanced interrogation programs, drawing both domestic and international criticism for the aggressive expansion of executive power.​

After leaving office, Cheney remained an outspoken voice on national security, offering sharp critiques of subsequent administrations and publicly diverging from his party on some social issues. He was recognized as the oldest living former U.S. vice president as of 2021, following the death of Walter Mondale.​ He was a harsh critic of President Donald Trump.

Cheney is survived by his wife, Lynne Cheney, and their two daughters, Liz, a prominent political figure in her own right, and Mary. In both public and personal life, Cheney was known for an unwavering dedication to his principles, an unyielding service to his country, and a complex legacy that will long be debated by historians.​

Funeral arrangements and details on memorial services have not yet been announced.