WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a dominant figure in U.S. politics and a chief architect of George W Bush’s post-9/11 “war on terror,” has died at 84, his family announced.
Cheney, who played a central role in the U.S. invasion of Iraq based on faulty intelligence, died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, the family said.
His wife of 61 years, Lynne, and daughters, Liz and Mary, were at his side.
“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing,” the family said.
“We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
After leaving office, Cheney grew increasingly estranged from the Republican Party especially over his opposition to former President Donald Trump, whom he called a “coward” and “the greatest threat to our Republic.”
Through his daughter, former congresswoman Liz Cheney, Cheney revealed that he had voted for Kamala Harris in last year’s election.
