Donald Rumsfeld

American politician and businessman, twice U.S. Secretary of Defense

Donald Henry Rumsfeld (July 9, 1932 – June 29, 2021) was an American businessman and politician. Rumsfeld was the 13th United States Secretary of Defense under President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, and the 21st Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2006.

Donald Rumsfeld
21st United States Secretary of Defense
In office
January 20, 2001 – December 18, 2006
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
DeputyPaul Wolfowitz (2001-2005)
Gordon R. England (2005-2007)
Preceded byWilliam Cohen
Succeeded byRobert Gates
13th United States Secretary of Defense
In office
November 20, 1975 – January 20, 1977
PresidentGerald Ford
DeputyBill Clements
Preceded byJames R. Schlesinger
Succeeded byHarold Brown
6th White House Chief of Staff
In office
September 1974 – November 20, 1975
PresidentGerald Ford
Preceded byAlexander Haig
Succeeded byDick Cheney
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 13th Congressional district
In office
January 3, 1963 – March 20, 1969
Preceded byMarguerite S. Church
Succeeded byPhil Crane
Personal details
Born(1932-07-09)July 9, 1932
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedJune 29, 2021(2021-06-29) (aged 88)
Taos, New Mexico, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Joyce H. Pierson
ChildrenValerie J. Rumsfeld Richard
Marcy K. Rumsfeld Walczak
Donald Nicholas Rumsfeld
Alma materPrinceton University
Georgetown University Law Center
Signature
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
RankCaptain

He was both the youngest (43 years old) and the oldest (74 years old) person to have held the position, as well as the only person to have held the position for two non-consecutive terms. Rumsfeld was also the second-longest serving Secretary of Defense, behind Robert McNamara.

Rumsfeld was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois between 1963 until 1969. He was also the Ambassador to NATO from 1973 until 1974. He was also the White House Chief of Staff from 1974 until 1975 during the Gerald Ford presidency.

He ran for President of the United States in the 1988 election, but withdrew before any primary contests were held. He thought about running again in the 1996 election, but did not run and helped Bob Dole's campaign.

Rumsfeld died of multiple myeloma at his ranch in Taos, New Mexico on June 29, 2021 at the age of 88.[1][2]

References change

  1. Macias, Amanda (June 30, 2021). "Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who oversaw Iraq war, dies at 88". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  2. McFadden, Robert D. (June 30, 2021). "Donald Rumsfeld, Defense Secretary Under 2 Presidents, Is Dead at 88". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.