The Legacy of Dick Cheney: A Controversial Figure in American Politics

Tue Nov 04 2025 20:17:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Remembering Dick Cheney, the former Vice President whose actions and policies shaped U.S. national security for decades amid significant controversies.

Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President under George W. Bush and played a crucial role in the War on Terror, passed away at 84. Starting as a key political figure in the 1970s, Cheney's career was marked by both vital successes and intense controversies, particularly surrounding the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. In his later years, he became a vocal critic of the Republican Party, particularly under Trump's leadership.

Dick Cheney, who has died at the age of 84, had a glittering - if controversial - career in American public life.

He served as President Gerald Ford's White House chief of staff in the 1970s, before spending a decade in the House of Representatives.

President George H W Bush made him defence secretary during the first Gulf War and the US invasion of Panama.

In 2001, Cheney became one of the most powerful vice-presidents in history.

He was a key architect of President George W Bush's 'War on Terror' after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and an early advocate of the invasion of Iraq.

But, in his final years, he became a bitter critic of the Republican party under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

Cheney's influence was notable; he played a central role in shaping U.S. national security policy and was known for his aggressive stance on military action against perceived threats.

Described by some as a hero of the right and by others as a war criminal, Cheney's legacy remains complex and deeply polarizing. He was viewed with admiration by conservatives for his tough stance on defense, while liberals criticized his policies as detrimental to civil liberties.

Cheney continued to engage actively in political discussions, supporting his daughter Liz Cheney in her efforts against Trump and advocating for issues like marriage equality, raising eyebrows among traditional conservatives.

In a broader sense, Dick Cheney represents an era of American politics characterized by strong executive power, aggressive foreign policy, and a shift in the GOP's ideological landscape. His life and career left an indelible mark on the fabric of U.S. history.