Dick Cheney was an American politician and businessman who served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Before becoming Vice President, Cheney had a long career in government. He was the White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford in the 1970s, a congressman in Wyoming for ten years, and later the Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush. During that time, he helped lead the U.S. military in the Gulf War against Iraq in 1991.

As Vice President, Cheney played a major role in shaping U.S. foreign policy after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He strongly supported the wars between Afghanistan and Iraq and believed in using strong executive power to protect the country. However, some of his policies, like harsh interrogation methods, caused controversy and public debate.

In his later years, Cheney became outspoken against former President Donald Trump. He disagreed with Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and criticized his behavior during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cheney once said, “It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.”

Dick Cheney passed away on November 3, 2025, at age 84 from complications of pneumonia and heart disease. After his death, many public figures and celebrities expressed sadness and praised his years of service. Tributes described him as a strong and determined leader who deeply impacted American politics. He is remembered as one of the most influential and debated leaders in U.S. history.