Dick Cheney
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.
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. He previously held major federal posts including White House chief of staff, U.S. representative from Wyoming, and secretary of defense. A highly influential and often polarizing figure, he died in 2025 at age 84. His policies and influence affected Canada indirectly through U.S. foreign policy, especially during the Iraq War and the broader post-9/11 security environment.
Early life and education
Dick Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He later built his career in politics and public service, with early political work leading to roles in the Nixon and Ford administrations.
Political career
Cheney represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989. He served as White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, and as U.S. secretary of defense under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993. His career spanned several Republican administrations.
Vice presidency
As vice president from 2001 to 2009, Cheney was one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. He played a major role in the Bush administration’s response to the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. He was closely associated with U.S. national security policy after the September 11 attacks and was an early and prominent supporter of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Later life and legacy
After leaving office, Cheney remained a prominent political voice and became an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. He supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. His legacy is widely viewed as influential but divisive.
Key facts
- Cheney served as vice president for two terms under George W. Bush.
- He was secretary of defense from 1989 to 1993 under George H. W. Bush.
- He represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989.
- He served as White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford.
- He was closely associated with U.S. national security policy after the September 11 attacks.
Cheney’s policies and influence affected Canada indirectly through U.S. foreign policy, especially during the Iraq War and the broader post-9/11 security environment.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dick Cheney?
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-CheneySupports: Birth, death, vice presidency, and secretary of defense role.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c511811gqr0oSupports: Overview of his political career, influence on the war on terror, and later criticism of Trump.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/dick-cheney-fast-factsSupports: Birth, death, full name, spouse, and later political statements.
- Miller Center, University of Virginia — https://millercenter.org/president/bush/essays/cheney-1989-secretary-of-defenseSupports: Secretary of defense and broader federal career context.
- George W. Bush White House Archives — https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/vicepresident/Supports: Official vice presidential role and career summary.