Former President George W. Bush is reacting to news of the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has died from complication of COVID-19 at the age of 84. Bush said he and former First Lady Laura Bush were "saddened" by the news, calling Powell a "great public servant." He said "many presidents relied on General Powell's counsel and experience" and he was highly respected at home and abroad, calling Powell a "great man."
The following is the full statement from Former President George W. Bush:
"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my Administration. He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man."