Former Vice President Dick Cheney Dead at 84

By America’s Newsletter – November 4, 2025

Writer: Aiden Roberson

WASHINGTON — Richard “Dick” Cheney, the hard-edged power broker who reshaped the modern American presidency and helped define an era of post-9/11 politics, died late Monday evening at his home in Virginia. He was 84.

Cheney’s family confirmed his death in a brief statement Tuesday morning, saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. “He lived his life with strength, conviction, and devotion to his family and his country,” the statement read.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential — and divisive — figures in American political history. He served as a White House aide, congressman, defense secretary, and finally as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush.

Cheney’s tenure as vice president was marked by an unprecedented expansion of executive power and an unflinching approach to national security. Following the September 11 attacks, he became the architect of many of the Bush administration’s most controversial decisions — from the invasion of Iraq to the approval of enhanced interrogation methods. Supporters praised him as a man of resolve in a time of chaos. Critics saw him as the embodiment of secrecy and overreach.

Despite his reserved demeanor, Cheney wielded immense influence behind closed doors. His staff and colleagues often described him as a man of intellect, discipline, and unshakable belief in American strength. In Washington, few doubted his command of the bureaucracy or his mastery of policy detail.

Beyond politics, Cheney was a devoted husband to his wife, Lynne, and a proud father of two daughters, Liz and Mary. He was also an avid outdoorsman who found peace in the Wyoming wilderness he called home for much of his life.

Cheney battled heart disease for decades, surviving multiple heart attacks and undergoing a transplant in 2012. Those who knew him said he rarely complained, viewing each medical setback as simply another obstacle to outlast.

His passing closes a chapter on a generation of Republican leadership that believed in muscular foreign policy and a strong centralized executive. Love him or loathe him, Dick Cheney left an imprint on American governance that will be debated for decades to come.

A private funeral service is expected to be held later this week in Washington, D.C., with a public memorial to follow in Wyoming.