History of Dick Cheney in Timeline
"Richard Bruce Cheney is a prominent American politician and businessman who served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Widely regarded as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history, Cheney held key positions in government, including White House Chief of Staff (President Ford), U.S. Representative for Wyoming (1979-1989), and Secretary of Defense (President George H.W. Bush). He became the oldest living former U.S. vice president after Walter Mondale's passing in 2021."
January 30, 1941: Richard Bruce Cheney Born
Richard Bruce Cheney was born on January 30, 1941.
November 1962: Cheney Convicted of Driving While Intoxicated
At 21 years old, Dick Cheney was convicted of driving while intoxicated in November 1962. He would be arrested for the same offense again the following year.
1964: Cheney Marries Lynne Vincent
Dick Cheney married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Vincent, in 1964.
October 26, 1965: Draft Expanded to Include Married Men Without Children
On October 26, 1965, the draft was expanded to include married men without children. At the time, Cheney was married and his first daughter was born nine months and two days later.
1966: Cheney Drops Out Of Doctoral Program, Becomes Staff Aide
Dick Cheney dropped out of the doctoral program he was in at the University of Wisconsin in 1966. He went on to work as a staff aide for Governor Warren Knowles.
January 1967: Cheney No Longer Eligible for Draft
Dick Cheney turned 26 in January 1967, making him no longer eligible for the draft.
1968: Cheney Moves to Washington
Dick Cheney was awarded an American Political Science Association congressional fellowship in 1968. He then moved to Washington.
1969: Cheney's Political Career Begins
Dick Cheney's political career began in 1969 as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger.
1970: Cheney Joins Donald Rumsfeld's Staff
Dick Cheney joined the staff of Donald Rumsfeld, who, at the time, was the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1970.
1971: Cheney Becomes White House Staff Assistant, Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council
Dick Cheney became a White House Staff Assistant in 1971. He also served as the Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council.
1973: Cheney's Time as Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council Ends
Dick Cheney's time as the Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council ended in 1973.
December 1974: Cheney Becomes Assistant to the President
Dick Cheney became the Assistant to the President under President Gerald Ford in December 1974.
1974: Cheney Becomes Deputy Assistant to the President
Dick Cheney became the Deputy Assistant to the President in 1974.
November 1975: Cheney Becomes White House Chief of Staff
Dick Cheney became the White House Chief of Staff, succeeding Donald Rumsfeld in November 1975.
1975: Cheney Suggests Options to Limit Damage from \"The New York Times\" Article
Dick Cheney suggested multiple courses of action that the Ford administration could use to limit damage from a "New York Times" article in 1975.
1975: Cheney Becomes White House Deputy Chief of Staff
Dick Cheney became White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford in 1975.
1976: Cheney Manages Ford's Presidential Campaign
Dick Cheney was the campaign manager for President Gerald Ford's 1976 presidential campaign.
1977: Cheney's Time as White House Chief of Staff Ends
Dick Cheney's time as White House Chief of Staff ended in 1977.
June 18, 1978: Cheney's First Heart Attack
At the age of 37, Dick Cheney experienced his first heart attack on June 18, 1978, after a history of heavy smoking.
1978: Presidential Records Act and Cheney's Actions
A group of historians and advocates for open government filed a lawsuit in response to Cheney's actions, arguing that his vice-presidential records fell under the Presidential Records Act of 1978 and couldn't be destroyed, removed, or withheld from the public without proper review.
1978: Cheney Votes Against Establishing National Holiday in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dick Cheney voted against the creation of a national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1978. He would vote in favor of it five years later.
1978: Cheney Elected to Represent Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives
Dick Cheney was elected to represent Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978.
1979: Cheney Elected to Represent Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives
Dick Cheney began representing Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979.
April 1980: Cheney Endorses Ronald Reagan for President
Dick Cheney endorsed Ronald Reagan for president in April 1980.
1981: Joining the Wednesday Group and Policy Committee Leadership
Cheney joined the moderate Republican Wednesday Group in 1981 and was elected Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, a position he held until 1987. He also served as the Ranking Member of the Select Committee investigating the Iran-Contra Affair.
1983: Cheney Supports Creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Dick Cheney showed his support for the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
1984: Cheney's Second Heart Attack
Dick Cheney experienced his second heart attack in 1984, four years after his first.
1986: Vote Against Nelson Mandela's Release
In 1986, Cheney voted against a resolution calling for Nelson Mandela's release from prison. He opposed it due to the ANC's classification as a terrorist organization and its actions against the United States at the time.
1986: Opposition to Sanctions on South Africa
In 1986, Cheney was among 83 Representatives who voted against overriding President Reagan's veto on a bill proposing economic sanctions against South Africa for its apartheid policy. Cheney believed such sanctions were often ineffective and could harm the people they intended to help.
1986: Lynne Cheney becomes Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities
In 1986, Lynne Cheney, Dick Cheney's wife, assumed the role of Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
1987: Cheney Elected Chairman of the House Republican Conference
Dick Cheney was elected Chairman of the House Republican Conference in 1987.
1987: End of Tenure as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee
In 1987, Cheney's term as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee came to an end.
1988: Cheney Undergoes Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Following his third heart attack in 1988, Dick Cheney underwent a four-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting procedure.
March 1989: Confirmation as Secretary of Defense
Cheney was confirmed as Secretary of Defense in March 1989, after being nominated by President George H. W. Bush. He received overwhelming support with a 92-0 vote in the Senate.
March 1989: Cheney Appointed Secretary of Defense
Dick Cheney was appointed Secretary of Defense in March 1989 after John G. Tower's nomination was rejected.
May 1989: Noriega Nulification of Panamanian Election
In May 1989, after Guillermo Endara won the Panamanian presidential election, General Manuel Antonio Noriega, the country's de facto ruler, annulled the results, prompting increased international pressure.
1989: Cheney Interviewed by \"The Washington Post\" Writer About Draft Deferments
Dick Cheney was interviewed by "The Washington Post" writer George C. Wilson in 1989, during which he was asked about his multiple draft deferments.
1989: Cheney's Tenure as Representative Ends, Becomes Secretary of Defense
Dick Cheney's time as representative ended and he became the 17th United States Secretary of Defense in 1989.
1989: Cheney's Time as Representative Ends
Dick Cheney's time representing Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives ended in 1989.
1989: Congressional Budget Discussions and Cheney's Opposition to the V-22 Program
During the summer of 1989, Congress discussed the 1990 budget, ultimately reaching a compromise between the Administration's request and the House Armed Services Committee's recommendation. Cheney notably opposed the V-22 program, despite Congress appropriating funds for it.
1989: Start of Military Downsizing and Budget Reductions
Over his four years as Secretary of Defense, Cheney oversaw a period of downsizing and budget reductions in the military, with total obligational authority decreasing from $291 billion to $270 billion between 1989 and 1993.
August 1, 1990: Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
On August 1, 1990, Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, launched an invasion of Kuwait. The invasion was widely condemned and marked the beginning of the Persian Gulf War.
1990: Defense Budget Assessment and Congressional Negotiations
As Secretary of Defense, Cheney focused on the Department of Defense budget. He assessed requests for expensive programs, ultimately leading to a budget figure negotiated between the Administration and the House Armed Services Committee during the summer of 1989 for the 1990 fiscal year.
1990: Continuation of Budget and Downsizing Trends
Cheney's approach to the defense budget continued in subsequent years, following similar patterns of downsizing and real growth reduction seen in 1990.
January 12, 1991: Congressional Authorization of Military Force
On January 12, 1991, the US Congress authorized President Bush to use military force to enforce Iraq's compliance with UN resolutions regarding the invasion of Kuwait.
January 15, 1991: UN Deadline for Iraq
On January 15, 1991, the UN's deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait passed. The UN had authorized the use of "all necessary means" to remove Iraq from Kuwait.
January 17, 1991: Operation Desert Storm Begins
On January 17, 1991, the first phase of Operation Desert Storm began with an air offensive aimed at securing air superiority and targeting Iraqi command centers in Baghdad, Basra, and other locations.
1991: Presidential Medal of Freedom and Public Service Award
In 1991, Cheney received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bush. Additionally, he was honored with the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official by the Jefferson Awards.
1991: Somali Civil War Gains Global Attention
The Somali Civil War began to garner significant global attention in 1991.
1991: Plan for Military Downsizing
In early 1991, Cheney revealed a plan to reduce military personnel to 1.6 million by the mid-1990s, down from 2.2 million when he assumed office.
1991: Cheney Oversees Operation Desert Storm
Dick Cheney oversaw Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
1991: Concerns About Nuclear Proliferation and NATO's Role
After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, Cheney expressed concern about the potential for nations like Iraq, Iran, and North Korea to acquire nuclear capabilities. He also emphasized the continued importance of NATO for European security and its role in supporting emerging democracies in Eastern Europe.
April 1992: Noriega's Conviction and Imprisonment
After being captured and extradited to the United States, Manuel Noriega was found guilty in April 1992 on charges of racketeering and drug trafficking. He was subsequently incarcerated.
August 1992: Humanitarian Assistance and Troop Deployment to Somalia
In August 1992, under President Bush's directive, Cheney oversaw the deployment of the first contingent of 26,000 U.S. troops to Somalia. This deployment was part of the Unified Task Force (UNITAF), aimed at providing security and facilitating food relief efforts in response to the Somali Civil War.
1992: Defense Budget Reduction from Previous Year
Cheney's 1993 defense budget saw a reduction from the 1992 budget, reflecting his continued focus on downsizing and streamlining military spending.
January 1993: End of Term as Secretary of Defense
Cheney's term as Secretary of Defense concluded in January 1993.
1993: End of Tenure with Reduced Military Personnel
By the end of Cheney's tenure in 1993, total military personnel had been reduced by 19 percent, from approximately 2.2 million to about 1.8 million.
1993: Reduced Defense Budget
Cheney's 1993 defense budget reflected further reductions compared to the previous year. It excluded weapon systems Congress wanted but the Department of Defense didn't, and omitted unrequested reserve forces.
1993: Cheney's Time as Secretary of Defense Ends
Dick Cheney's time as the U.S. Secretary of Defense ended in 1993.
April 15, 1994: Cheney Addresses Debate Over Iraq War Strategy
In an interview with C-SPAN on April 15, 1994, Dick Cheney defended the decision to end the ground war in Iraq without removing Saddam Hussein from power, arguing that occupying the country would have been a "bad idea" and a "quagmire".
1995: Cheney Becomes Chairman and CEO of Halliburton
Dick Cheney became the chairman and CEO of Halliburton in 1995.
1996: Lynne Cheney concludes her tenure as Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Lynne Cheney's time as Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities came to an end in 1996.
July 2000: Cheney Chosen as Running Mate for George W. Bush
In July 2000, Dick Cheney was chosen to be the running mate for presumptive Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush.
November 22, 2000: Cheney Suffers Heart Attack, Undergoes Stenting
On November 22, 2000, Dick Cheney had another heart attack, his fourth, and subsequently underwent coronary artery stenting.
2000: Cheney Reverses Position on Head Start Funding
Dick Cheney reversed his position on funding Head Start in 2000.
2000: Cheney Steps Down as Chairman and CEO of Halliburton
Dick Cheney stepped down from his position as chairman and CEO of Halliburton in 2000.
September 11, 2001: Cheney's Actions in Wake of 9/11 Attacks
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cheney maintained a low profile, staying at undisclosed locations for security reasons. He later revealed these locations included his residences and Camp David.
September 21, 2001: Bush Receives Briefing on Iraq-Al-Qaeda Links
On September 21, 2001, President Bush received a classified President's Daily Brief which stated that the intelligence community had no evidence of a link between Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 attacks.
2001: Start of Term and 2008 Presidential Election
At the start of his term in 2001, Cheney expressed his desire to retire upon its completion and declined to run for president in the 2008 election.
2001: Cheney Becomes 46th Vice President
Dick Cheney assumed office as the 46th vice president of the United States on January 20, 2001, under President George W. Bush.
June 29, 2002: Cheney Serves as Acting President
On June 29, 2002, Cheney served as Acting President for a period of time while President Bush underwent a colonoscopy, in accordance with the 25th Amendment.
July 2003: Supreme Court Ruling on Energy Task Force Documents
In July 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that the US Department of Commerce had to release documents from the National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG), also known as the Energy Task Force. These documents, which Cheney was involved in, contained information about companies that had agreements with the Iraqi government to extract oil.
2003: Refusal to Release Documents and Lawsuit
Beginning in 2003, Cheney's staff chose not to submit required reports to the National Archives and Records Administration and didn't allow inspections of their record keeping. Cheney refused to release documents, citing executive privilege, leading to questions about transparency and a lawsuit regarding the handling of vice-presidential records.
2004: Cheney Reelected as Vice President
Dick Cheney was reelected as vice president alongside George W. Bush in 2004, defeating John Kerry and John Edwards.
2004: Re-election and Same-Sex Marriage Debate
In 2004, Bush and Cheney were re-elected for a second term. During the election, the pregnancy of Cheney's daughter Mary and her sexual orientation as a lesbian became a public topic due to the ongoing same-sex marriage debate. Cheney stated his personal support for gay marriages, but believed individual states should decide on the matter.
2004: 9/11 Commission Finds No Iraq-Al-Qaeda Collaboration
In 2004, the 9/11 Commission concluded that there was no "collaborative relationship" between Iraq and al-Qaeda.
September 24, 2005: Cheney Undergoes Procedure to Repair Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
On September 24, 2005, Dick Cheney underwent a six-hour endo-vascular procedure to repair popliteal artery aneurysms, a condition discovered during a routine physical examination.
October 18, 2005: Cheney's Office and the Valerie Plame CIA Leak Scandal
On October 18, 2005, The Washington Post reported that Cheney's office was central to the investigation of the Valerie Plame CIA leak scandal. Cheney's Chief of Staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was under investigation and later resigned after being indicted.
2005: Resignation of Scooter Libby
In 2005, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Jr., who served as Cheney's Chief of Staff and Assistant on National Security Affairs, resigned from both positions after being indicted.
February 11, 2006: Cheney Accidentally Shoots Harry Whittington
During a quail hunt on February 11, 2006, Dick Cheney accidentally shot Harry Whittington, a Texas attorney, injuring his face, neck, and chest with birdshot.
February 14, 2006: Whittington Suffers Non-Fatal Heart Attack
On February 14, 2006, Harry Whittington experienced a non-fatal heart attack and atrial fibrillation, a complication attributed to at least one lead-shot pellet lodged near his heart from the accidental shooting.
February 2006: Libby's Testimony and Richard Armitage's Admission
In February 2006, The National Journal reported that Libby had testified that Cheney and other superiors authorized him to release classified information to the press about intelligence on Iraqi weapons. Later that year, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage admitted to being the source of the leak but denied any involvement in a conspiracy.
February 16, 2006: Sheriff's Office Releases Report on Cheney Hunting Incident
The Kenedy County Sheriff's Office in Texas released its report on the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington by Dick Cheney on February 16, 2006.
February 27, 2006: Cheney's Approval Rating Drops Following Shooting Incident
Two weeks after the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington, polls conducted on February 27, 2006, revealed a five-percentage-point decline in Dick Cheney's approval rating, dropping to 18%.
April 2006: Ultrasound Reveals Reduced Clot Size in Cheney
In late April 2006, an ultrasound revealed a decrease in the size of a blood clot that Dick Cheney had been experiencing.
February 27, 2007: Suicide Bombing During Cheney's Visit to Afghanistan
On February 27, 2007, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan during Cheney's visit, killing 23 people and injuring 20 others. While Cheney was unharmed, the Taliban claimed responsibility, stating Cheney was the target.
March 5, 2007: Cheney Treated for Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Dick Cheney received treatment for deep-vein thrombosis in his left leg at George Washington University Hospital on March 5, 2007.
March 6, 2007: Conviction of Scooter Libby
On March 6, 2007, Libby was found guilty on four felony counts related to obstruction of justice, perjury, and making false statements during the investigation.
June 2007: The Washington Post Series on Cheney's Vice Presidency
In June 2007, The Washington Post published a four-part series that characterized Cheney's vice presidency, highlighting his influential role in shaping policies and his approach to government power.
July 21, 2007: Acting President
On July 21, 2007, Cheney briefly served as acting president while President Bush underwent a medical procedure requiring sedation.
November 26, 2007: Cheney Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation
Dick Cheney was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation on November 26, 2007, and received treatment later that day.
March 24, 2008: Cheney Dismisses Public Opinion on Iraq War
On March 24, 2008, during an interview marking the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Cheney responded "So?" when asked about declining public support for the war, drawing criticism.
June 2008: Cheney's Alleged Opposition to North Korea Deal
In June 2008, reports surfaced alleging that Cheney attempted to obstruct Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's efforts to reach a compromise deal with North Korea concerning their nuclear program.
July 12, 2008: Cheney's Heartbeat Normal During Cardio Exam
A cardiological exam conducted on July 12, 2008, showed that Dick Cheney's heartbeat was within the normal range for a man his age with a history of heart problems.
July 2008: Allegations of Suppression of Climate Change Report
In July 2008, a former Environmental Protection Agency official publicly accused Cheney's office of pushing for significant deletions from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on the health impacts of global warming.
October 15, 2008: Cheney Briefly Hospitalized for Minor Irregularity
Dick Cheney experienced a minor irregularity that necessitated a brief hospital visit on October 15, 2008.
2008: Purchase of Property in McLean, Virginia
In 2008, Cheney acquired a property in McLean, Virginia, which he then demolished to build a new residence.
2008: Republican Nomination and Retirement
Cheney maintained his decision to retire and did not participate in the 2008 presidential primaries. The Republican nomination went to Senator John McCain from Arizona.
January 19, 2009: Cheney Strains Back Moving Boxes
On January 19, 2009, Dick Cheney strained his back while moving boxes into his new residence, confining him to a wheelchair for two days.
May 2009: Cheney Voices Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In May 2009, Cheney publicly stated his support for same-sex marriage at the National Press Club, arguing that marriage regulation should be a state-level issue.
July 11, 2009: CIA Director Reveals Withheld Information
On July 11, 2009, CIA Director Leon Panetta revealed to Congress that the agency had kept a counter-terrorism program secret for eight years under Cheney's direct orders. The program, which involved planning and training for the capture or killing of al Qaeda operatives, was initiated after 9/11 but never became fully operational.
December 29, 2009: Cheney Criticizes Obama's Response to Attempted Bombing
On December 29, 2009, following an attempted bombing of a flight from the Netherlands to the U.S., Cheney criticized President Obama for not acknowledging the country was at war, claiming it made the nation less safe.
2009: Cheney's Interview and Support for Libby
Details of Cheney's interview with FBI agents about the case were made public in 2009, revealing his strong support for Libby and his efforts to secure a pardon, comparing Libby to a "soldier on the battlefield".
2009: Cheney's Second Term as Vice President Ends
Dick Cheney's second term as vice president ended on January 20, 2009.
February 14, 2010: Cheney's Continued Support for Enhanced Interrogation Techniques
On February 14, 2010, Cheney appeared on ABC's This Week and reiterated his support for waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques used on suspected terrorists.
February 22, 2010: Cheney's Fifth Heart Attack Leads to Moderate Left Ventricle Dysfunction
Dick Cheney's fifth heart attack, occurring on February 22, 2010, resulted in moderate contractile dysfunction of his left ventricle.
June 25, 2010: Cheney Hospitalized for Discomfort
Dick Cheney was admitted to George Washington University Hospital on June 25, 2010, after reporting discomfort.
July 2010: Cheney Receives Left-Ventricular Assist Device
In early July 2010, Dick Cheney received a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) to manage his worsening congestive heart failure.
August 9, 2010: Cheney Discharged from Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute
On August 9, 2010, Dick Cheney was discharged from Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute following the implantation of an LVAD.
May 2, 2011: Cheney Praises Obama Administration
On May 2, 2011, Cheney praised the Obama administration for the successful operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.
March 24, 2012: Cheney Undergoes Heart Transplant
After spending over 20 months on a waiting list, Dick Cheney underwent a successful heart transplant operation on March 24, 2012, at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
July 2012: Fundraiser for Mitt Romney
In July 2012, Cheney used his Wyoming residence to hold a private fundraising event for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The event successfully raised over $4 million in contributions for Romney's campaign.
March 15, 2013: The World According to Dick Cheney
The documentary film "The World According to Dick Cheney" premiered on Showtime on March 15, 2013.
2014: Cheney Continues to Claim Saddam-Al-Qaeda Link
By 2014, Cheney was still claiming that Saddam Hussein "had a 10-year relationship with al Qaeda," despite the lack of evidence.
2014: Reflection on Time at the Pentagon
In 2014, Cheney reflected on his time at the Pentagon, calling it the most rewarding period of his public service. He recalled a moment when he was offered the position by President Bush and noticed a painting of his great-grandfather, who served under General Sherman.
November 2015: Publication of "Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush"
In November 2015, Jon Meacham's book "Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush" was published, in which the 41st president offered a mixed view of Cheney, acknowledging his contributions while also criticizing his hard-line stance and tendency to operate independently.
2015: Cheney's Golden Retriever, Nelson
As of 2015, Dick Cheney shared his home with a Golden Retriever named Nelson.
April 2018: Pardon by President Trump
Despite Cheney's efforts to secure a pardon for Libby, President Trump eventually pardoned him in April 2018.
March 2019: Cheney Criticizes Trump Administration's Foreign Policy
During the American Enterprise Institute World Forum in March 2019, Cheney publicly questioned the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, drawing parallels to the Obama administration.
January 6, 2021: Cheney Attends Capitol Attack Remembrance
Cheney and his daughter Liz attended the one-year anniversary remembrance events of the January 6th Capitol attack. Notably, Liz was the sole Republican member of Congress to attend.
2021: Walter Mondale Dies, Making Cheney Oldest Living Former U.S. Vice President
Walter Mondale, the 42nd vice president, died in 2021. This made Dick Cheney the oldest living former U.S. vice president.
2022: Cheney Supports Daughter's Campaign, Criticizes Trump
Cheney appeared in a campaign ad for his daughter Liz's congressional run, criticizing former President Trump as a "coward" and a "threat to our republic" for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
September 6, 2024: Cheney Announces Support for Kamala Harris
Cheney released a public statement confirming his intention to vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.