- Net Worth: $150 Million
- Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
- Birthdate: January 30, 1941 (84 years old)
- Birthplace: Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
- Gender: Male
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Profession: Politician, Businessperson, Author
- Nationality: United States of America
What is Dick Cheney’s Net Worth?
Dick Cheney is an American politician, businessman, and author with an estimated net worth of $150 million. Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush (2001–2009) and is considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history.
His vast wealth is largely attributed to his business career, particularly his tenure as CEO of Halliburton (1995–2000), a major oilfield services and military contracting company.
Cheney has held several high-ranking government positions, including:
- White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977) under President Gerald Ford
- Secretary of Defense (1989–1993) under President George H.W. Bush
- U.S. Representative from Wyoming (1979–1989)
His strategic influence in American foreign policy, particularly his role in the War on Terror, the Iraq War, and national security measures post-9/11, made him a controversial but highly influential political figure.
Halliburton Earnings and Wealth Accumulation
The majority of Cheney’s net worth comes from his time as CEO of Halliburton (1995–2000), one of the world’s largest oilfield services and military contracting firms.
Key Financial Highlights from Halliburton
- Total Compensation as CEO: $72.5 million
- $12.5 million in base salary
- $20 million in retirement benefits
- $40 million in stock options
- Deferred Compensation & Bonuses as Vice President: Several million
When Cheney joined Halliburton in 1995, it was the 22nd largest military contractor in the U.S. By 2003, Halliburton had risen to #7, largely due to multi-billion-dollar contracts awarded for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His financial disclosures in 2008 estimated his net worth to be between $20 million and $100 million, while George W. Bush’s wealth at the time was between $7 million and $20 million.
Early Life and Education
Family Background and Early Life
Dick Cheney was born Richard Bruce Cheney on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was raised in Casper, Wyoming, where his father worked as a soil conservation agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He attended Natrona County High School, where he was:
- Senior class president
- Football team captain
Despite a promising academic start, Cheney’s early years were marked by struggles and setbacks.
Education and Early Setbacks
- Attended Yale University but dropped out after two years due to poor grades
- Arrested twice for DUI in 1962 and 1963
- Transferred to Casper College, then the University of Wyoming, earning:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
Cheney began a Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but dropped out in 1966 to start his political career.
Political Career: From Intern to Vice President
Early Government Roles
- 1968: Won a congressional fellowship and moved to Washington, D.C.
- 1969–1970: Worked under Donald Rumsfeld at the Office of Economic Opportunity
- 1975–1977: White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford
- 1978–1989: U.S. Representative from Wyoming
- Served six terms
- Became House Minority Whip in 1988
Secretary of Defense (1989–1993)
Under President George H.W. Bush, Cheney served as Secretary of Defense, overseeing:
- Operation Just Cause (Panama Invasion, 1989)
- Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War, 1991)
His leadership earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991.
Vice Presidency (2001–2009)
Cheney became Vice President in 2001 after George W. Bush selected him as his running mate. He was an unusually powerful VP, controlling:
- Foreign policy decisions (advocating for the Iraq War)
- Post-9/11 national security strategy
- Expanded executive powers, including surveillance programs
Twice, Cheney assumed the role of Acting President while Bush underwent medical procedures:
- June 29, 2002 (2 hours, 15 minutes)
- July 21, 2007 (2 hours, 5 minutes)
Post-Vice Presidency: Business, Books, and Public Appearances
After leaving office in 2009, Cheney focused on:
- Writing books
- Speaking engagements
- Consulting for defense and energy firms
He co-authored two books with his daughter, Liz Cheney:
- “In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir” (2011)
- “Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America” (2015)
In 2012, Cheney underwent a heart transplant, two years after suffering his fifth heart attack.
Real Estate Holdings
Cheney has invested in luxury real estate, including:
McLean, Virginia Mansion
- Purchased in 2000 for $1.35 million
- Custom-built 12,765-square-foot estate
Saint Michaels, Maryland Waterfront Estate
- Bought in 2005 for $2.67 million
- Sold in 2019 for $2.1 million
Wyoming Property
- Owns land and a private residence in Wyoming, his home state
Cheney’s real estate holdings are valued at over $10 million, contributing significantly to his $150 million net worth.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage and Children
Dick Cheney married Lynne Vincent in 1964. They have two daughters:
- Liz Cheney (b. 1966) – Former U.S. Representative (2017–2023)
- Mary Cheney (b. 1969) – Former Vice Presidential campaign staffer
Support for Same-Sex Marriage
Despite his conservative political stance, Cheney publicly supported same-sex marriage, defending his daughter Mary, who is married to Heather Poe.
Hunting Incident Controversy (2006)
While on a hunting trip in Texas, Cheney accidentally shot Harry Whittington, a fellow hunter, causing serious injuries. The incident became a national controversy.
Summary of Dick Cheney’s Wealth and Influence
- Net Worth: $150 million
- CEO of Halliburton (1995–2000) – Earned $72.5 million
- Vice President of the U.S. (2001–2009) – Expanded executive powers
- Secretary of Defense (1989–1993) – Led Gulf War military operations
- Real Estate: Owns multi-million-dollar properties in Wyoming, Virginia, and Maryland
Final Thoughts
Dick Cheney is one of the wealthiest and most influential political figures in modern U.S. history. His wealth stems from Halliburton, government salaries, consulting, and real estate investments.
Though controversial, his political and financial impact is undeniable.
