by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at age 84, his family confirmed Tuesday.
Cheney played a central role in shaping the United States’ response to the September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people.
He was instrumental in launching the subsequent U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, policies that defined America’s foreign policy for years to come.
He previously served as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993 and later as the 46th Vice President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Cheney family said the former vice president “passed away peacefully Monday evening, November 3, 2025,” due to “complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.”
“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,” the family said. “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.”
ARCHITECT OF WAR ON TERROR
Cheney is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynne Cheney, and their two daughters, Liz and Mary Cheney. His daughter Liz Cheney, a former U.S. congresswoman from Wyoming, has been a prominent Republican critic of President Donald J. Trump.
Cheney will be remembered as the man who, during his vice presidency, was regarded as the chief architect of the “War on Terror” launched after the 9/11 attacks.
He was known for his assertive national security stance and his push for expanded executive powers within the U.S. government.
As vice president, he strongly backed the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, arguing that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction — claims later proven unfounded or at least not supported by evidence.
He also defended the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on terror suspects, drawing both domestic and international criticism.
TRIBUTES AND DIVISIONS REMAIN
Supporters described Cheney as a “steady hand in crisis” who helped protect the United States during a period of unprecedented threats.
Former President George W. Bush led tributes, saying: “The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was.”
He added that “History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation — a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.”
In Cheney’s home state, Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming stressed, “Wyoming mourns the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney. He will be remembered as a towering figure who helped guide the course of history in Wyoming, the United States, and around the world.”
Flags at the White House and other federal buildings were lowered to half-staff Tuesday in his honor.
RENEWED DEBATE OVER RECORD
Yet Cheney’s death also sparked renewed debate over his record. Several activists and commentators recalled his role in the Iraq War and surveillance programs, underscoring the deep divisions that marked his public life. Critics also accused him of overreach and abuse of power, shaping one of the most polarizing legacies in modern U.S. politics.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney rose through the ranks of Republican politics — serving as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s at-large congressman, and later Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw the 1991 Gulf War victory.
As vice president, Cheney’s influence within the Bush administration was unparalleled, leading some to dub him the “most powerful vice president in U.S. history.”
Even after leaving office, Cheney remained outspoken, warning against isolationism and criticizing what he viewed as threats to the post-9/11 security framework. In recent years, he publicly rebuked President Donald J. Trump’s conduct following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, standing by his daughter, Liz, in opposing the former president’s influence within the Republican Party.
A lifelong Methodist, Cheney was known for his quiet but steady faith. Friends and associates said he attended church with his family when in Washington and viewed his beliefs as a private source of moral grounding throughout his public life.
HISTORY AND CIVIC VALUES
His wife, Lynne Cheney, also a Methodist, was recognized for her writings on American history and civic values.
She previously served as chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1986–1993), which funds humanities programs in the United States—including museums, archives, libraries, colleges and universities, public television and radio stations, and individual scholars.
As of Tuesday night, officials said a state ceremony in Washington was expected, followed by a private burial service. Further details were to be announced by the family and government sources.
Cheney’s passing marks the end of an era for a generation of leaders who defined U.S. foreign and security policy in the early 21st century — a legacy of power, controversy, and conviction that continues to shape American politics and history.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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