Who Is Dick Cheney? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 30, 1941, Dick Cheney is an influential figure in American politics, serving as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. As of 2025, Cheney is 84 years old. His career spans decades, including significant roles in various public and private sectors, which have left a lasting impact on the political landscape.
Cheney’s political journey began in the late 1960s, and he gradually ascended through the ranks, becoming the White House Chief of Staff, a member of Congress, and eventually the Vice President. Known for his conservative policies and influential decision-making, Cheney remains a prominent figure in discussions about U.S. foreign policy and governance.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Dick Cheney's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements may vary with time, Dick Cheney is generally reported to have a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His weight has fluctuated throughout his life, particularly since his health issues in the early 2010s. As he ages, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been a focus, particularly in managing his heart condition.
Cheney's most immediate issue as Secretary of Defense was the Department of Defense budget. Cheney deemed it appropriate to cut the budget and downsize the military, following the Reagan Administration's peacetime defense buildup at the height of the Cold War.
As part of the fiscal year 1990 budget, Cheney assessed the requests from each of the branches of the armed services for such expensive programs as the Avenger II Naval attack aircraft, the B-2 stealth bomber, the V-22 Osprey tilt-wing helicopter, the Aegis destroyer and the MX missile, totaling approximately $4.5 billion in light of changed world
politics.
Cheney opposed the V-22 program, which Congress had already appropriated funds for, and initially refused to issue contracts for it before relenting. When the 1990 Budget came before Congress in the summer of 1989, it settled on a figure between the Administration's request and the House Armed Services Committee's recommendation.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Dick Cheney has been married to Lynne Cheney since 1964. The couple shares two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. Lynne Cheney has also been an influential figure in her own right, contributing significantly to various cultural and educational initiatives. As of 2025, there have been no public indications of Cheney dating anyone outside of his marriage, as he and Lynne remain a steadfast political and personal partnership.
In July 2000, Cheney was chosen by presumptive Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush as his running mate in the 2000 presidential election. They defeated their Democratic opponents, incumbent vice president Al Gore and senator Joe Lieberman.
In 2004, Cheney was reelected to his second term as vice president with Bush as president, defeating their Democratic opponents Senators John Kerry and John Edwards. During Cheney's tenure as vice president, he played a leading behind-the-scenes role in the George W.
Bush administration's response to the September 11 attacks and coordination of the Global War on Terrorism. He was an early proponent of invading Iraq, alleging that the Saddam Hussein regime possessed weapons of mass destruction program and had an operational relationship with Al-Qaeda; however, neither allegation was ever substantiated.
He also pressured the intelligence community to provide intelligence consistent with the administration's rationales for invading Iraq.
Cheney was often criticized for the Bush administration's policies regarding the campaign against terrorism, for his support of wiretapping by the National Security Agency (NSA) and for his endorsement of the U.S.'s "enhanced interrogation" torture program.
He publicly disagreed with President Bush's position against same-sex marriage in 2004, but also said it is "appropriately a matter for the states to decide".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Dick Cheney’s estimated net worth is around $75 million. His wealth primarily stems from his political career, speaking engagements, and various business ventures after his tenure as Vice President. Cheney has been involved in the energy sector, serving on the board of several companies, including Halliburton, significantly boosting his financial standing.
When Cheney became eligible for the draft, during the Vietnam War, he applied for and received five draft deferments. In 1989, The Washington Post writer George C.
Wilson interviewed Cheney as the next secretary of defense; when asked about his deferments, Cheney reportedly said, "I had other priorities in the '60s than military service." Cheney testified during his confirmation hearings in 1989 that he received deferments to finish a college career that lasted six years rather than four, owing to sub-par aca
demic performance and the need to work to pay for his education.
Upon graduation, Cheney was eligible for the draft, but at the time, the Selective Service System was not inducting married men. Cheney's fifth and final deferment granted him "3-A" status, a "hardship" deferment available to men with dependents. In January 1967, Cheney turned 26 and was no longer eligible for the draft.
Career, Business and Investments
Having an extensive career in politics, Dick Cheney is renowned for his strategic roles in shaping U.S. military and foreign policy post-9/11. After leaving office, Cheney became a sought-after speaker, sharing insights about his experiences in government, global affairs, and the energy industry.
Cheney's investments primarily cover the energy sector, especially during his time with Halliburton, where he emphasized oil and gas operations. His contributions to various think tanks and non-profit organizations reflect his ongoing influence in political discussions, particularly around national security.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up there and in Casper, Wyoming. He attended Yale University before earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political science from the University of Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A.
Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations. He served as White House chief of staff from 1975 to 1977. In 1978, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and represented Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 1979 to 1989, briefly serving as House minority whip in 1989.
He was appointed Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, and held the position for most of Bush's term from 1989 to 1993. As secretary, he oversaw Operation Just Cause in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
While out of office during the Clinton administration, he was the chairman and CEO of Halliburton from 1995 to 2000.
Social Network
In today’s digital world, social media presence plays an essential role in connecting with the public. While Dick Cheney is not known for an extensive social media presence, he occasionally engages in public speaking events and interviews that can be found on platforms like Twitter and YouTube. His legacy is often discussed in the context of historical analyses and political commentary, reflecting his long-standing impact on American politics.
Over his four years as Secretary of Defense, Cheney downsized the military and his budgets showed negative real growth, despite pressures to acquire weapon systems advocated by Congress. The Department of Defense's total obligational authority in current dollars declined from $291 billion to $270 billion.
Total military personnel strength decreased by 19 percent, from about 2.2 million in 1989 to about 1.8 million in 1993. Notwithstanding the overall reduction in military spending, Cheney directed the development of a Pentagon plan to ensure U.S. military dominance in the post-Cold War era.
Education
Dick Cheney graduated from Yale University and later earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wyoming. His educational background laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in politics and governance, shaping him into one of the most influential figures in modern American history.
He attended Yale University, but by his own account had problems adjusting to the college, and dropped out. Among the influential teachers from his days in New Haven was H. Bradford Westerfield, whom Cheney repeatedly credited with having helped to shape his approach to foreign policy.
He later attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in political science. He subsequently started, but did not finish, doctoral studies in political science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
