Former U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in American politics, has died at the age of 84, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
Cheney, who served as Vice-President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was widely seen as a key architect of U.S. foreign policy during the post-9/11 era, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
In a statement, Cheney’s family described him as a “devoted husband, father, and public servant who dedicated his life to his country.” No immediate cause of death was released, though he had long battled heart-related health issues, undergoing multiple surgeries and even receiving a heart transplant in 2012.
Before becoming Vice-President, Cheney held several senior positions, including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, overseeing Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Cheney was often regarded as the most powerful Vice-President in U.S. history, wielding immense influence in shaping national security and defense strategies. Critics, however, accused him of promoting policies that expanded executive power and led to human rights controversies, such as the use of enhanced interrogation techniques.
After leaving office, Cheney remained active in politics, often defending the Bush administration’s decisions and criticizing subsequent Democratic administrations for being “too soft” on national security. His daughter, Liz Cheney, served as a Republican congresswoman and became a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President George W. Bush called him “a man of deep conviction and unflinching service to the United States.” President Joe Biden also issued condolences, acknowledging Cheney’s “decades of service to the American people.”
Cheney’s legacy remains deeply polarizing — revered by supporters for his leadership during turbulent times and criticized by opponents for his aggressive foreign policy stance.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.