Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and one of the most consequential figures in modern American history, passed away peacefully on Monday night at age 84, surrounded by family.
Former US vice president Dick Cheney dies at 84
➡️ https://t.co/ynG8LOOJns pic.twitter.com/YfepjoL19F— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) November 4, 2025
He died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac-vascular disease, according to a statement released by his family Tuesday morning.
Serving alongside President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, Cheney redefined the role of the vice presidency, building an unprecedented national-security apparatus within his office and becoming the driving force behind America’s response to the September 11 attacks—including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
You May Like To Read:Pakistan and Germany Strengthen Climate-Energy Partnership with €114 Million Boost
A Wyoming native who rose from congressional intern to White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford, Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush, and CEO of Halliburton, Cheney brought unmatched Washington experience to the 2000 ticket. He directed the lightning liberation of Kuwait in 1991 yet warned that occupying Iraq would be a “quagmire”—a caution he set aside twelve years later when no weapons of mass destruction were found.
Known for his unflinching defence of expanded executive authority and enhanced interrogation techniques, Cheney never apologised for decisions he believed kept America safe. In later years he broke dramatically with his party, endorsing Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024 and declaring Donald Trump “the greatest threat to our republic” in 248 years.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lynne; daughters Liz and Mary; and eight grandchildren. Liz Cheney, the former No. 3 House Republican, lost her seat after voting to impeach Trump following January 6.
“Dick Cheney was a titan of American public life—loved by friends, feared by foes, and forever convinced that history would vindicate the hard choices,” the family statement read. “He leaves a nation safer in his mind, and forever changed by his hand.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced; the family requests privacy and contributions to the American Heart Association.
Check out our latest video:
