Former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, as confirmed by his family. Cheney, who served as vice president under his son, George W. Bush, from 2001 to 2009, was a central figure in American politics, known for his hardline conservative stances and pivotal role in the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Cheney’s political career began in earnest when he became Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush during the Persian Gulf War. His leadership in that conflict solidified his reputation as a decisive and influential figure. After a brief hiatus from public life, he returned to prominence as vice president, where he became one of the most powerful individuals in the executive branch, often acting in a capacity that transcended traditional vice presidential roles.
In recent years, Cheney was a vocal supporter of his daughter, Liz Cheney, particularly as she took a stand against former President Donald Trump following the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Liz Cheney’s fierce criticism of Trump positioned her as one of the leading voices within the Republican Party opposing his influence, further embroiling the Cheney family in the ongoing political discourse.
Cheney’s legacy is marked not only by his staunch defense of various U.S. military strategies but also by his controversial positions that polarized public opinion. Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast advocate for conservative policies, earning both admiration and criticism across the political spectrum.
As the news of his passing spreads, tributes are expected from political figures reflecting on his complex legacy and the impact he had on American foreign and domestic policies. His contributions to the discussions surrounding national security and the role of the U.S. in global affairs will continue to be debated in the years to come.
