George W. Bush Calls Dick Cheney’s Death a National Loss at 84

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney, a central figure in American politics and a key architect of the post-9/11 foreign policy, passed away on Monday night at the age of 84. Cheney died due to complications from pneumonia and longstanding cardiac and vascular disease, according to his family.

Cheney’s death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum. Former President George W. Bush, under whom Cheney served as Vice President from 2001 to 2009, described his passing as “a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends,” praising him as “among the finest public servants of his generation.” Bush added that Cheney was a patriot who brought integrity, intelligence, and dedication to every role he held, and that he prioritized the freedom and security of the American people.

Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State during the Bush administration, expressed admiration for Cheney’s integrity and mentorship, calling him “an inspiring presence” in public service. Former President Bill Clinton, despite political differences, acknowledged Cheney’s dedication and sense of duty. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of honoring Cheney’s contributions to the nation.

Dick Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941. He attended Yale University on a scholarship but did not graduate and later earned a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Wyoming. Cheney began his political career in Washington in 1968 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of Staff to President Gerald Ford at the age of 34. He later served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, overseeing the Pentagon during the 1990-91 Gulf War.

Cheney’s tenure as Vice President marked a transformative period for the office, giving it unprecedented influence over American foreign policy and national security. He played a pivotal role in shaping the US response to the September 11 attacks, advocating for military action in Afghanistan and Iraq, and promoting policies that became the cornerstone of the “war on terror.” His insistence on Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction and alleged links to al-Qaeda heavily influenced the 2003 invasion, a decision that remains controversial due to the conflict’s human and political consequences.

Despite his Republican roots, Cheney later became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, citing concerns over alleged foreign interference in elections and the safeguarding of democratic institutions. In 2024, he publicly endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, warning that Trump posed a significant threat to the republic.

Cheney’s health had long been fragile. He suffered his first heart attack in 1978 and went on to experience multiple heart problems, culminating in a full heart transplant in 2012. He is survived by his wife Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary Cheney, and seven grandchildren.

While his legacy is complex, combining significant contributions to US policy with controversy over the Iraq War and the “war on terror,” Cheney remains a defining figure in modern American political history. His passing has left a lasting mark on both domestic politics and global affairs, eliciting reflection on his influence, leadership, and public service.