Dick Cheney, former U.S. vice president and longtime conservative figure, died on Nov. 3 at age 84. President George W. Bush praised him as a "decent, honorable man," while others responded with sharp criticism, calling his legacy destructive. The contrasting statements reflect enduring debate over Cheney's post‑9/11 leadership and long-term impact on U.S. foreign policy. His death has reignited discussion about the balance between national security decisions and their humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
Dick Cheney Dies at 84 — Reactions Split Between Praise and Condemnation
Dick Cheney, former U.S. vice president and longtime conservative figure, died on Nov. 3 at age 84. President George W. Bush praised him as a "decent, honorable man," while others responded with sharp criticism, calling his legacy destructive. The contrasting statements reflect enduring debate over Cheney's post‑9/11 leadership and long-term impact on U.S. foreign policy. His death has reignited discussion about the balance between national security decisions and their humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
07:12 PM, 11/13/2025Politics
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84, prompting mixed reactions
Dick Cheney, a polarizing figure in modern American politics who served as vice president under President George W. Bush and earlier as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, died on Nov. 3 at the age of 84. His death produced sharply divided responses from public figures across the political spectrum.
In a statement reported by Newsweek, President George W. Bush paid tribute: "Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation."
The remarks that followed illustrate the enduring controversy surrounding Cheney's legacy, with some praising his leadership after 9/11 and others condemning his role in later foreign-policy decisions. Representative reactions included:
“[After 9/11 he] had to rise to the moment. You can have people forever debate and criticize decisions that they might have made at the time or mistakes … but he was a serious, serious defender of our country.”
“The man who introduced Neocon ideology to the world was hated by the media. Villainized until the moment he came out against Trump. He then became a hero of the left-wing media to attack the right.”
“Dick Cheney will meet his maker and will have lots of explaining to do … but I haven’t and won’t ever shed a tear for a war criminal of his ilk.”
“I admired Vice President Cheney for his integrity and his love of our country. I am grateful that I had the chance to serve with him twice — when he was Secretary of Defense for President George H.W. Bush at the end of the Cold War — a triumphant time for America and its values.”
“Dick Cheney, one of the most evil men in modern history, died yesterday at 84 … He’s burning in hell in my opinion.”
“[He was] genuinely one of the most evil people to exist in modern history … he got zero punishment for his actions. Caused incalculable harm to entire regions. Millions killed, tens of millions displaced.”
These statements highlight how Cheney's actions and influence—particularly in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and in debates over U.S. foreign policy—remain deeply contested. Supporters emphasize his decisiveness and perceived defense of national security; critics focus on the human and geopolitical costs they attribute to policies enacted or supported during his time in government.
Source: This report draws on public statements and coverage, including a statement reported by Newsweek and reporting first published on Globe.