WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.
Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family.
“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States,” the statement read. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
The quietly forceful Cheney served both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, leading the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War. Cheney's role under the younger Bush saw him influence a range of critical decisions, especially during the tumultuous aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Known for being a key architect of the Iraq War, Cheney was often described as the chief operating officer of the Bush presidency, playing a central role in policy-making and national security. Despite maintaining a rigorous defense of controversial practices, including surveillance post-9/11, Cheney became increasingly at odds with elements of the Republican Party, especially during and after Trump's administration.
Cheney's legacy is undeniably complex. He was a staunch advocate for military intervention, yet his assertions about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction were proven false, leading to decades of debate over the war's justification.
In recent years, Cheney and his daughter Liz became vocal critics of Donald Trump, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. In a notable moment, Cheney expressed that there had never been a greater threat to democracy than Trump, marking a surprising turn for a once staunch party loyalist.
A survivor of multiple heart attacks, Cheney had battled serious health issues throughout his life, including a heart transplant, but maintained a sense of humor about his condition. His private reflections often contrasted the public persona he presented during his time in office.
Cheney is survived by his wife Lynne and his two daughters, Liz and Mary. As the dust settles on his storied career, many will debate the implications of his policies and the indelible mark he left on U.S. history.
