His name may not mean much to you, but he is often described as the “puppet master” of the George W. Bush presidency. Dick Cheney died on November 3, 2025. The former vice-president of the United States leaves behind an extraordinary career.
He is an essential figure in American politics. Dick Cheney is dead this Monday, November 3, 2025, due to complications related to pneumonia and heart and vascular diseases. He was the vice-president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A little-known role. For example, the vice-president must replace the president. This happened, for example, in 1963: after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson (who held this role) became president. He is also, according to the Constitution, president of the Senate (the upper house of Congress). More concretely, the vice-president is often a political right arm of the president. Enough to better understand the implications that Dick Cheney may have had.
From deep America behind the scenes of the White House
Born January 30, 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dick Cheney grew up in Casper, Wyoming, from a modest family of the American Midwest. After studying at the University of Wyoming, where he obtained a degree in political sciencehe began his career in the public sphere in Washington in the 1960s. He was quickly noted for his organizational talents and his keen political sense. He joined Donald Rumsfeld’s team at the White House under the presidency of Richard Nixon, then continued its rise under Gerald Ford. Cheney became chief of staff there at just 34 years old. This early and rapid journey in the corridors of power federal government marks the beginning of a political career that will lead him, decades later, to the vice-presidency of the United States alongside George W. Bush.
Also read: Colin Powell: disappearance of the former Secretary of State of George W. Bush
Dick Cheney: the president’s “puppeteer”
Dick Cheney is often referred to as the “puppeteer” of the George W. Bush presidency because of the exceptional influence he had on American politics during the years 2001-2009. An influence judged, by many observers, “ much higher than that of a traditional vice president “.
Initially, Dick Cheney was not considered for this position. But as the process progressed, Bush became impressed by the expertise and his political stature. Cheney, although hesitant at first, eventually accepted the proposal after several weeks of discussions.
Traditionally, the role of vice-president is mainly symbolic. But Cheney, with his experience at the White House, the Pentagon and in the business world, was able to establish himself as a central and essential advisor, with access to all decision-making circles.
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The extraordinary influence of Dick Cheney
Internationally, Dick Cheney played a decisive role in American foreign policy in the early 2000s. Central figure of the neoconservative camp. He defended a worldview based on the military power and strategic supremacy of the United States. After the attacks of September 11, 2001he was one of the main architects of the “ war on terrorism“. It encourages a massive and lasting response against any state suspected of harboring terrorist groups.
“War on Terror”
Cheney thus played a key role in the decision to invade Iraq in 2003. Convinced that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and posed a direct threat. He also supported a extension of executive powers in the name of national security. Justifying controversial practices like secret detentions, enhanced interrogations and increased electronic surveillance.
Behind the scenes, he guided the debates within the Bush government. Sometimes marginalizing the State Department or more moderate voices in government. This ability to influence foreign policy without being on the front line of the media has reinforced his image as a man in the shadows. He directs much of America’s diplomacy and military strategy from the vice president’s office. An unprecedented situation in the political history of the United States
Some detractors have nicknamed Dick Cheney ” Darth Vader“, because he saw similarities with the villain of the Star Wars saga.
