Prominent politicians of both political parties shared tributes to former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday after he died due to complications from the coronavirus, his family revealed. He was also previously treated for multiple myeloma.
“He was a great public servant, starting with this time as a solider during Vietnam,” wrote former President George W. Bush. “Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience.”
Powell, who served in the George W. Bush administration as Secretary of State was a National Security Adviser for President Ronald Reagan, a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under former President George H.W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton.
“He was highly respected at home and abroad,” Bush wrote. “And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend,” Bush wrote. “Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”
A Republican, Powell served in George W. Bush’s first term as Secretary of State and resigned in 2004 after Bush was re-elected. He was replaced by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
U.S. Gen. Colin Powell salutes as U.S. President Bill Clinton stands by 30 September 1993 during retirement ceremonies for Powell at the Fort Myer army base parade grounds. (J. DAVID AKE/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney also remembered Powell in a statement.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman,” he wrote, praising his “remarkablly distinguished career. ”
“He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well,” he added.
Cheney praised Powell’s service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Iraq, despite famously clashing over the war effort.
“Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State,” he wrote.
Powell earned respect from Democrats after he endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama for president in 2008 over Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and endorsed him again for reelection in 2012.
In 2016, Powell endorsed Hillary Clinton for President over Donald Trump and in 2020 he endorsed Joe Biden, delivering a speech for Biden at the Democrat National Convention.
Former President Bill Clinton described Powell as “a good and decent man.”
“He lived the promise of America, and spent a lifetime working to help our country, especially our young people, live up to its own ideals and noblest aspirations at home and around the world,” he wrote in a statement.
Former President Barack Obama praised Powell for endorsing him for president in 2008, recalling he helped push back on questions about his faith.
On a personal level, I was deeply appreciative that someone like General Powell, who had been associated with Republican administrations in the past, was willing to endorse me in 2008. But what impressed me even more was how he did it. At a time when conspiracy theories were swirling, with some questioning my faith, General Powell took the opportunity to get to the heart of the matter in a way only he could.
“The correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he’s a Christian,” General Powell said. “But the really right answer is, ‘What if he is?’ Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?”
President Joe Biden also expressed his appreciation for Powell’s friendship and decision to endorse him in 2020.
“I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation,” he wrote. “I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future.”
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) also issued a statement on social media, praising Powell as a “tested and historic leader.”
General Colin Powell (C), head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, tours 05 January 1990 the bombed courtyard of the Panaminian Defense Force Comandancia in Panama City to review U.S. troops and receive a briefing on Operation Just Cause. (BOB PEARSON/AFP via Getty Images)
“As a soldier, diplomat, and dedicated public servant, General Powell put our country before political partisanship and worked every day to make it a stronger and safer place,” she wrote.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin remembered Powell as a “tremendous personal friend and mentor.”
“The world lost one of the greatest leaders we have ever witnessed,” he wrote, adding, “we will certainly miss and I feel as if I have a hole in my heart.”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) described Powell in a statement as “a great public servant and American patriot” and a “trailblazer” that inspired others.
Colin Powell waves before arrival of President Barack Obama at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2016. (YURI GRIPAS/AFP via Getty)
“While I am heartbroken to hear of his passing, I am grateful for his life of service that touched not only our nation, but every corner of the world,” he wrote. I salute his legacy and know that it will live on for generations to come.”
Former President Jimmy Carter remembered Powell as a “true patriot and public service, recalling working with him on issues of conflicts in Haiti and elections observations in Jamaica.
“His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come,” he wrote.
“We will keep his family in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence described Powell as “a true American Patriot.”
“Karen and I are praying for his wife, Alma, and the entire Powell family,” he wrote in a statement.
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