Dick Cheney, the former vice-president who died on Tuesday, dramatically expanded the powers of the US presidency in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks. More than two decades later, Donald Trump is wielding the political levers Cheney constructed as a potent tool to advance his national priorities, even as the two men had clashes over the direction of the Republican Party.
Cheney's experience in US government stretched back to Richard Nixon's White House, and he honed his theories of presidential powers over decades of experience in the corridors of power in Congress and during multiple Republican administrations.
As vice-president during the George W Bush administration, he used the Al-Qaeda attacks to restructure the foundations of executive authority. His expansive view of presidential power facilitated the 'war on terror', enabling aggressive military and diplomatic strategies.
Now, Donald Trump has inherited those expanded powers and is using them to pursue his political agenda. Trump's approach often features confrontational tactics that at times conflict with the policies Cheney endorsed.
Despite their differences, both leaders exhibit a willingness to leverage executive authority. Cheney warned of the dangers Trump posed, particularly after his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump has called Cheney a proponent of 'endless wars', reflecting their contrasting views on foreign policy.
While Cheney's tenure was characterized by clear strategies regarding military engagement and national security, Trump has often justified his actions without the national unity that marked Cheney's era after 9/11. The rift between Cheney's legacy and Trump's rise exemplifies the divide in today’s Republican Party.
