Liz Cheney Then and Now

Liz Cheney Then

Liz Cheney, born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, is the eldest daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney. 

Growing up in a politically active family, Cheney’s early years were divided between Casper, Wyoming, where her father had roots, and Washington, D.C., where he served in various governmental roles. 

Cheney’s family background profoundly influenced her perspectives, providing her with firsthand exposure to the workings of American politics from a young age. 

After graduating from McLean High School in 1984, Cheney attended Colorado College, where she began developing her own identity and interest in public service. 

She later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1996, marking the beginning of her formal legal career.

Before pursuing her law degree, Cheney spent five years working with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), experiences that allowed her to engage in international relations and development work. 

These roles gave her insight into the intricacies of foreign policy and the impact of U.S. aid on developing countries. 

Following her government service, Cheney worked with the consulting firm Armitage Associates, further honing her skills in international relations and consulting.

Upon graduating from law school, Cheney’s career expanded as she joined White & Case, a prominent law firm where she practiced international law. 

She then transitioned to a role with the International Finance Corporation, applying her legal expertise to global financial matters. 

Cheney’s work also took her to Budapest, Hungary, and Warsaw, Poland, where she served as a USAID officer in U.S. embassies. 

These experiences deepened her understanding of international diplomacy and strengthened her commitment to American interests abroad, shaping the seasoned perspective she would later bring to her roles in politics and public service.

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Liz Cheney’s Political Career

Liz Cheney’s political career reflects her strong conservative values, shaped largely by her family’s political influence and her early experiences in government. 

In 2002, she became the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, overseeing the Middle East Partnership Initiative to support democratic reforms in the region. 

During her tenure, Cheney developed a reputation for her neoconservative approach, often advocating for military interventions to promote U.S. security interests abroad. 

Her work also included launching the Fund of the Future and the Foundation of the Future, initiatives aimed at supporting democracy and freedom of the press in Middle Eastern and North African countries.

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Cheney’s hawkish stance on issues like national security was further crystallized when she led the Iran-Syria Policy and Operations Group, reinforcing her advocacy for a robust U.S. presence in global affairs.

After leaving the State Department, Cheney took an active role in U.S. elections, co-chairing Fred Thompson’s 2008 presidential campaign before joining Mitt Romney’s team as a senior foreign policy advisor. 

In 2009, she co-founded Keep America Safe with William Kristol and Deborah Burlingame, a non-profit organization promoting the national security policies of the Bush-Cheney administration. 

Cheney’s conservative principles gained her recognition as a frequent Fox News contributor, where she continued to champion her foreign policy views.

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In 2013, Cheney launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate in Wyoming, seeking to bring her firm foreign policy perspective to the national legislative arena. 

However, her hawkish views and a public rift with her sister Mary over same-sex marriage, as well as the strong popularity of incumbent Mike Enzi, led Cheney to withdraw from the race. 

She returned to politics in 2016 by running for Wyoming’s House seat after the retirement of Representative Cynthia Lummis. 

Cheney won the election with a strong majority and quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the Republican Party, securing the role of chair of the House Republican Conference in 2019.

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While Cheney initially aligned closely with Donald Trump’s policies, she broke from him following the January 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, which she openly condemned as a violation of democratic norms. 

Cheney supported Trump’s second impeachment, which led to backlash from pro-Trump factions within the Republican Party. 

Despite an initial unsuccessful attempt to remove her from party leadership, she was ousted from her leadership role in May 2021 due to her criticisms of Trump and her support for investigating the Capitol attack. 

Cheney’s opposition to Trump resulted in further repercussions, with the Wyoming Republican Party revoking her membership and the Republican National Committee formally censuring her in early 2022.

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In July 2021, Cheney was appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the bipartisan House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack, and she later served as vice chair. 

Cheney’s participation made her a central figure in the investigation, where she focused on exposing Trump’s role in inciting the attack through misinformation about the 2020 election results. 

Her work with the committee culminated in recommending criminal charges against Trump, underscoring her commitment to defending democratic principles and the rule of law.

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In the 2022 Wyoming primary, Cheney faced intense opposition from Trump-backed Harriet Hageman, who defeated her by a significant margin. 

Despite her loss, Cheney has maintained her dedication to reforming the Republican Party, openly criticizing Trump’s influence and pledging to work toward a future for the GOP that aligns with her vision. 

Recently, she took a surprising turn by endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, reflecting her desire to distance the party from Trump’s influence and reaffirm her stance on the importance of democratic governance.

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Liz Cheney’s Personal Life

Liz Cheney married attorney Philip Perry in 1993, forming a partnership rooted in shared professional and personal values. 

Perry, a respected lawyer with experience in both private practice and public service, has held positions such as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, reflecting his own commitment to law and governance. 

Together, Cheney and Perry have raised five children: Philip Jr., Kate, Elizabeth, Grace, and Richard. 

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Balancing her demanding political career with family life, Cheney often credits her family’s support as essential to her resilience in navigating the complexities of public service. 

Her family life has offered her a grounding presence amid her significant role in U.S. politics, and she is known for keeping them out of the political spotlight, ensuring they maintain a sense of normalcy despite her high-profile career.

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Liz Cheney Now

Liz Cheney, a 58-year-old American attorney and politician, is a notable figure in the Republican Party, known for her conservative values and commitment to constitutional principles. 

Cheney served as the U.S. Representative for Wyoming’s at-large congressional district from 2017 until 2023, bringing a strong voice to national security issues, foreign policy, and Republican leadership. 

As the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she was well-versed in governmental affairs from an early age and entered her congressional role with a significant background in international relations and law. 

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During her tenure, Cheney rose to become the chair of the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2021, a role that positioned her as the third-highest-ranking Republican in the House and underscored her influence within the party.

Cheney’s reputation expanded significantly due to her outspoken opposition to former President Donald Trump, particularly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which she condemned as a grave threat to democracy. 

Her insistence on holding Trump accountable, including her vote for his second impeachment, placed her at odds with many in her party, leading to her removal from the House Republican leadership in 2021. 

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Her unwavering stance against Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results also cost her the support of the Wyoming Republican Party, leading to her loss in the 2022 primary to Trump-endorsed candidate Harriet Hageman.

Despite these setbacks, Cheney remains a prominent voice in American politics. She has vowed to continue advocating for a Republican Party that prioritizes the rule of law and democratic values over personal loyalty. 

In March 2023, Cheney transitioned into an academic role as a professor of practice at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, where she shares her insights on government and policy with students, furthering her commitment to strengthening democratic principles and integrity in American political life.

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Liz Cheney’s Net Worth

Liz Cheney, an accomplished attorney and politician, has amassed a net worth of $20 million, reflecting her successful career in law, government, and her continued influence in American politics.

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