Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a towering and often polarizing figure in American politics whose influence shaped U.S. defense and foreign policy for decades, has died at the age of 84.
Cheney served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, becoming one of the most powerful second-in-command figures in modern history. He was a central architect of the U.S. response to the September 11 attacks, championing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and overseeing an expansion of executive authority and national security operations that defined an era.
Before his time in the White House, Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, directing the U.S.-led coalition in the 1991 Gulf War. Earlier, he represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives for six terms, rising to become House Minority Whip. Between public service roles, Cheney led Halliburton, the Dallas-based energy giant, as CEO from 1995 to 2000.
Admired by allies for his discipline and strategic mind — and criticized by opponents for his secrecy and hardline tactics — Cheney remained unapologetic about his approach to wielding power, once saying he was “willing to be unpopular if it meant keeping America safe.”
He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Lynne Cheney, and their daughters, Liz and Mary, as well as several grandchildren.
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