Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, widely regarded as one of the most influential vice presidents in American history, has died at the age of 84. His family said on Tuesday that he passed away on Monday due to complications from pneumonia and heart disease.
Cheney, a Republican, served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. He played a central role in shaping U.S. foreign and security policy following the September 11 attacks and was a key architect of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Before becoming vice president, Cheney had a long career in government, serving as a congressman from Wyoming and later as secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush. He was already a powerful figure in Washington when then–Texas Governor George W. Bush selected him as his running mate in the 2000 presidential race.
During his time in office, Cheney pushed for a stronger presidency, arguing that presidential authority had weakened since the Watergate scandal. He also strengthened the influence of the vice president’s office, particularly through his control over national security and defense matters.
Cheney was one of the leading voices promoting the invasion of Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction—claims that were later proven false.