Richard Bruce Cheney was an American politician and businessman who served as the 46th vice president of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney studied political science at the University of Wyoming. He began his political career in the Nixon and Ford administrations, eventually serving as White House chief of staff from 1975 to 1977. He later represented Wyoming's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives and served as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush, overseeing military operations such as Operation Desert Storm.
During his tenure as vice president, Cheney became known as one of the most powerful figures to hold the office, playing a critical behind-the-scenes role in the Bush administration's response to the September 11 attacks and the Global War on Terrorism. He was a prominent advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, promoting claims regarding weapons of mass destruction and ties to al-Qaeda that were later unsubstantiated. His policies, including support for NSA warrantless surveillance and enhanced interrogation techniques, drew significant public and political criticism.
Outside of his public service, Cheney served as the chairman and CEO of Halliburton from 1995 to 2000. In his later political life, he took notable stances such as supporting same-sex marriage and eventually becoming a critic of Donald Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack. Cheney died in 2025 due to complications from pneumonia and vascular disease.
