Liz Cheney Net Worth, Political Legacy and Financial Influence in 2024

Liz Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and former U.S. Representative for Wyoming, has become a pivotal figure in American politics. As of 2024, at 58 years old, Cheney has an estimated net worth of $20 million. Her wealth stems from her political career, family trust, and successful book deals. Married to attorney Philip Perry since 1993, Cheney has five children. Her political journey, once aligned with traditional Republican values, has recently taken a dramatic turn, positioning her as a vocal critic of Donald Trump and election denialism.

Early Life

Born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Lynne Cheney grew up surrounded by politics. As the eldest daughter of Dick Cheney, who would later become the Vice President of the United States, Liz was exposed to political life from a young age. Her family moved between Wyoming and Washington D.C. as her father held office in Congress. This early immersion in political environments helped shape her career and outlook.

Cheney graduated from McLean High School in Virginia in 1984, laying the foundation for her future pursuits in higher education and government service. The experiences of growing up in a politically connected household would heavily influence her professional choices.

Education Details

Cheney pursued her undergraduate studies at Colorado College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Her passion for law and public service then led her to the University of Chicago Law School, where she earned her law degree in 1996. Cheney’s path to becoming an influential political figure was anything but direct. Before attending law school, she worked for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for five years, gaining experience in international relations and diplomacy.

Her legal career began at White & Case, where she specialized in global litigation. She also worked as a consultant for the International Finance Corporation, further diversifying her portfolio and skill set before fully diving into politics.

Political Rise

Cheney’s political career took off in the early 2000s, especially under the George W. Bush administration, where she held several key roles in the U.S. State Department. Most notably, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Her involvement in shaping Middle East policy established her as a leading voice within Republican foreign policy circles, particularly known for her neoconservative views.

Cheney’s reputation grew, and she continued to expand her political influence by aligning herself with Republican policies, particularly in the areas of defense and international relations. Her ascent into formal political office, however, would come later.

Congressional Career

In 2016, Liz Cheney ran for and won the seat as Wyoming’s sole U.S. Representative, a position she held until 2023. During her tenure in Congress, Cheney rose through the ranks to become the third-highest-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, serving as Chair of the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2021.

Initially, Cheney supported many of Donald Trump’s policies and had a solid conservative voting record. However, the political tide turned following the 2020 election, when Cheney became a vocal opponent of Trump’s claims of election fraud and his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Public Conflict

Cheney’s decision to oppose Trump led to significant consequences within the Republican Party. Her anti-Trump stance caused a rift with party leadership, resulting in her removal from her House Republican leadership role in 2021. By the time she ran for re-election in 2022, Cheney had become a divisive figure within her party. Her outspoken criticism of Trump cost her the support of many Wyoming voters, and she lost the Republican primary to a Trump-endorsed candidate.

Despite her political defeat, Cheney remained active and vocal in her fight against election denialism and Trumpism, positioning herself as a principled conservative, even as she was labeled a traitor by some within her party.

Financial Growth

Cheney’s time in Congress, combined with her outside income from book deals and a family trust, led to substantial financial growth. In 2017, her estimated net worth was around $7 million. By 2024, Cheney’s net worth had grown to $20 million.

Several key factors contributed to this increase in wealth:

• Holdings in Citibank, valued at approximately $3 million
• Income from her husband Philip Perry’s law firm, Latham & Watkins
• Substantial earnings from book deals, including her memoir Oath and Honor, which was a bestseller in 2023

Cheney’s financial disclosures raised questions regarding the sources of her wealth accumulation during her time in public office. However, her earnings have also been bolstered by family trusts and investments.

Ongoing Activism

Although Cheney is no longer serving in Congress, she has remained a prominent political figure. In 2024, she continues to speak out against Donald Trump and what she refers to as “depraved cruelty” in his approach to politics. In a surprising political move, Cheney endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, calling for Republicans to reject Trump’s influence over the party. This bold stance has further solidified her status as a vocal critic of Trumpism.

Recently, Cheney made headlines by campaigning with Harris in Wisconsin, a swing state critical to the 2024 election. Cheney’s presence underscored her commitment to opposing Trump and promoting bipartisan efforts to preserve democratic institutions.

Legacy Considerations

Liz Cheney’s legacy is a complex one. She is viewed as a deeply principled conservative by some and a renegade by others. Her outspoken opposition to Trump has made her a polarizing figure within the Republican Party. Nevertheless, her influence on moderate Republicans and her commitment to preserving the integrity of elections have positioned her as a significant player in American politics beyond 2024.

Cheney’s financial success, combined with her national profile, ensures that she will continue to shape political discourse in the United States, whether through future campaigns, public speaking, or continued literary contributions.