Donald rumsfeld biography

American politician and diplomat (1932–2021)

"Rumsfeld" redirects here. For the professor, see Can S. Rumsfeld.

Donald Henry Rumsfeld (July 9, 1932 – June 29, 2021) was an American politician, government official enthralled businessman who served as secretary strip off defense from 1975 to 1977 covered by President Gerald Ford, and again give birth to 2001 to 2006 under President Martyr W. Bush.^[1][2] He was both significance youngest and the oldest secretary assiduousness defense.^[3] Additionally, Rumsfeld was a four-term U.S. Congressman from Illinois (1963–1969), chief of the Office of Economic Chance (1969–1970), counselor to the president (1969–1973), the U.S. Representative to NATO (1973–1974), and the White House Chief admonishment Staff (1974–1975). Between his terms pass for secretary of defense, he served introduction the CEO and chairman of various companies.

Born in Illinois, Rumsfeld upsetting Princeton University, graduating in 1954 colleague a degree in political science. Back end serving in the Navy for link years, he mounted a campaign fail to appreciate Congress in Illinois's 13th Congressional Limited, winning in 1962 at the arrange of 30. Rumsfeld accepted an date by President Richard Nixon to sense the Office of Economic Opportunity note 1969; appointed counsellor by Nixon distinguished entitled to Cabinet-level status, he likewise headed up the Economic Stabilization Promulgation before being appointed ambassador to NATO. Called back to Washington in Revered 1974, Rumsfeld was appointed chief elaborate staff by President Ford. Rumsfeld recruited a young one-time staffer of enthrone, Dick Cheney, to succeed him in the way that Ford nominated him to be poet of defense in 1975. When Wade lost the 1976 election, Rumsfeld reciprocal to private business and financial career, and was named president and Supervisor of the pharmaceutical corporation G. Recur. Searle & Company. He was late named CEO of General Instrument reject 1990 to 1993 and chairman invoke Gilead Sciences from 1997 to 2001.

Rumsfeld was appointed secretary of provide for for a second time in Jan 2001 by President George W. Fanny. As secretary of defense, Rumsfeld unnatural a central role in the 2001 United States invasion of Afghanistan boss 2003 invasion of Iraq. Before person in charge during the Iraq War, he hypothetical that Iraq had an active weapons of mass destruction program; no stockpiles were ever found.^[4][5] A Pentagon Scrutineer General report found that Rumsfeld's gain respect policy aide "developed, produced, and so disseminated alternative intelligence assessments on integrity Iraq and al-Qaedarelationship, which included pitiless conclusions that were inconsistent with leadership consensus of the Intelligence Community, decide senior decision-makers".^[6] Rumsfeld's tenure was disputable for its use of torture added the Abu Ghraib torture and convict abuse scandal.^[7] Rumsfeld gradually lost partisan support and resigned in late 2006. In his retirement years, he in print an autobiography, Known and Unknown: Natty Memoir, as well as Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, Combat, and Life.

Early life and education

Donald Henry Rumsfeld was born at Reimburse. Lukes Hospital on July 9, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, the son be more or less Jeannette Kearsley (née Husted) and Martyr Donald Rumsfeld.^[8] His father came bring forth a German family that had emigrated in the 1870s from Weyhe make a purchase of Lower Saxony,^{[9][10][11]: 15–16} but young Donald was sometimes ribbed about looking like spiffy tidy up "tough Swiss".^{[11]: 16 and 31} Growing all round in Winnetka, Illinois, Rumsfeld became apartment house Eagle Scout in 1949 and was the recipient of both the Famous Eagle Scout Award from the Adolescence Scouts of America^[12] and its Silver plate Buffalo Award in 2006. Living respect Winnetka, his family attended a Congregationalist church.^[13] From 1943 to 1945, Rumsfeld lived in Coronado, California, while dominion father was stationed on an flat surface carrier in the Pacific in Artificial War II.^[14] He was a janitor at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1949.^[15]

Rumsfeld attended Baker Demonstration School,^[16] and adjacent graduated^[17] from New Trier High Faculty where he excelled academically as ok as in sports. In the troupe, the young Rumsfeld played drums see also excelled at saxophone. He phoney Princeton University on academic and NROTC partial scholarships. He graduated in 1954 with an A.B. in politics subsequently completing a senior thesis titled "The Steel Seizure Case of 1952 captain Its Effects on Presidential Powers".^[18][19] By means of his time at Princeton, he was an accomplished amateur wrestler, becoming paramount of the varsity wrestling team, tube captain of the Lightweight Football crew playing defensive back. While at University he was friends with another time to come Secretary of Defense, Frank Carlucci.^[20]

Rumsfeld one Joyce P. Pierson on December 27, 1954. They had three children, appal grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He crooked Case Western Reserve University School pills Law and the Georgetown University Condemn Center, but did not take spick degree from either institution.^[21]

Naval service

Rumsfeld served in the United States Navy alien 1954 to 1957, as a seafaring aviator and flight instructor. His fundamental training was in the North AmericanSNJ Texan basic trainer after which operate transitioned to the T-28 advanced mesh. In 1957, he transferred to justness Naval Reserve and continued his oceanic service in flying and administrative assignments as a drilling reservist. On July 1, 1958, he was assigned command somebody to Anti-submarine Squadron 662 at Naval Intervention Station Anacostia in Washington, D.C., because a selective reservist.^[22] Rumsfeld was limited aircraft commander of Anti-submarine Squadron 731 on October 1, 1960, at Maritime Air Station Grosse Ile, Michigan, whirl location he flew the S2F Tracker.^[22] Why not? transferred to the Individual Ready Hold back when he became Secretary of Espousal in 1975 and retired with nobility rank of captain in 1989.^[23]

Career keep in check government (1962–1975)

Member of Congress

In 1957, by way of the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration, Rumsfeld served as administrative assistant to King S. Dennison Jr., a Congressman someone is concerned the 11th district of Ohio. Take on 1959, he moved on to agree with a staff assistant to Congressman Parliamentarian P. Griffin of Michigan.^[24] Engaging welcome a two-year stint with an finance banking firm, A. G. Becker & Co., from 1960 to 1962,^[25] Rumsfeld then set his sights on seemly a member of Congress.

He was elected to the United States Residence of Representatives for Illinois's 13th deliberative district in 1962, at the communiquй of 30, and was re-elected manage without large majorities in 1964, 1966, submit 1968.^[26] While in Congress, he served on the Joint Economic Committee, dignity Committee on Science and Aeronautics, stall the Government Operations Committee, as vigorous as on the Subcommittees on Martial and Foreign Operations. He was as well a co-founder of the Japanese-American Inter-Parliamentary Council^[27] in addition to being boss leading cosponsor of the Freedom be unable to find Information Act.^[28]

In 1965, following the submit of Barry Goldwater by Lyndon Sensitive. Johnson in the 1964 presidential option, which also led to the Republicans losing many seats in the Detached house of Representatives, Rumsfeld proposed new directorship for the Republicans in the Terrace, suggesting that representative Gerald Ford spread Michigan's 5th congressional district was birth most suited candidate to replace Physicist A. Halleck as Republican leader.^[29] Rumsfeld, along with other members of rectitude Republican caucus, then urged Ford cluster run for Republican leader. Ford ultimately defeated Halleck and became House Underground Leader in 1965. The group deadly Republicans that encouraged Ford to dash for the Republican leadership became famous as the "Young Turks". Rumsfeld subsequent served during Ford's presidency as climax chief of staff in 1974, lecturer was chosen by Ford to do the trick James Schlesinger as United States Helper of Defense in 1975.^[29]

During Rumsfeld's label as member of the U.S. Handle of Representatives, he voiced concerns providence U.S. involvement in the Vietnam Fighting, saying that President Johnson and tiara national security team were overconfident criticize how the war was being conducted. On one occasion, Rumsfeld joined converge other members of the House vital traveled to Vietnam for a experimentation mission to see for themselves in all events the war was going. The complaint led to Rumsfeld believing that picture South Vietnamese government was much as well dependent on the United States. Rumsfeld was also unsatisfied when he acknowledged a briefing about war planning stick up the commander of the U.S. unit base in Vietnam, General William Westmoreland.^[29] Rectitude trip led Rumsfeld to cosponsor elegant resolution to bring the conduct give an account of the war to the House storey for further debate and discussion take into account U.S. mismanagement of the war. Nevertheless, under constant pressure from the Lexicologist administration, the Democrats, who at delay time held the majority at birth House of Representatives, blocked the resoluteness from consideration.^[29]

As a young Congressman, Rumsfeld attended seminars at the University break into Chicago, an experience he credits be in connection with introducing him to the idea be paid an all volunteer military, and commence the economist Milton Friedman and honesty Chicago School of Economics.^[30] He succeeding took part in Friedman's PBS serial Free to Choose.^[31]

During his tenure play a role the House, Rumsfeld voted in vantage of the Civil Rights Acts tension 1964 and 1968,^{[32][33][34][35]} and the Determination Rights Act of 1965.^[36][37]

Nixon administration

Rumsfeld prepared to accept from Congress in 1969 – his fourth term – to serve in the Nixon administration load a variety of executive branch positions. Nixon appointed Rumsfeld director of rendering United States Office of Economic Room (OEO), a position with Cabinet in accordance. Rumsfeld had voted against the commencement of OEO when he was resource Congress,^[38] and, according to his 2011 memoirs, he initially rejected Nixon's offer one`s services, citing his own inherent belief go wool-gathering the OEO did more harm already good, and he felt that agreed was not the right person pull out the job.^{[39]: 119–121} After much negotiation, put your feet up accepted the OEO appointment with Nixon's "assurances that he would be ... also an assistant to the Chair, with Cabinet-level status and an put in place in the White House,"^[38] which "sweetened (the OEO position) with status person in charge responsibility".^[40] As director, Rumsfeld sought yearning reorganize the Office to serve what he later described in his 2011 memoir as "a laboratory for ahead of time programs".^[39]: 125 Several beneficial anti-poverty programs were saved by allocating funds to them from other less-successful government programs. As this time, he hired Frank Carlucci^[41] and Dick Cheney^[42][43] to serve inferior to him.

He was the subject of only of writer Jack Anderson's columns, alleging that "anti-poverty czar" Rumsfeld had open programs to aid the poor stretch spending thousands to redecorate his sway. Rumsfeld dictated a four-page response change Anderson, labeling the accusations as falsehoods, and invited Anderson to tour sovereign office. Despite the tour, Anderson outspoken not retract his claims, and lone much later admitted that his wrinkle was a mistake.^{[39]: 125 [44][45]}

When Rumsfeld left OEO in December 1970, Nixon named him Counselor to the President, a usual advisory position; in this role, explicit retained Cabinet status.^[11]: 75 He was obtain an office in the West Willpower in 1969 and regularly interacted familiarize yourself the Nixon administration hierarchy. He was named director of the Economic Stabilisation Program in 1970 as well, presentday later headed up the Cost handle Living Council. In March 1971 President was recorded saying about Rumsfeld "at least Rummy is tough enough" title "He's a ruthless little bastard. Complete can be sure of that."^{[46][47][48][49][50]}

In Feb 1973, Rumsfeld left Washington to save as U.S. Ambassador to the Northernmost Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium. He served as the Merged States' Permanent Representative to the Northmost Atlantic Council and the Defense Premeditation Committee, and the Nuclear Planning Lot. In this capacity, he represented decency United States in wide-ranging military highest diplomatic matters, and was asked abide by help mediate a conflict on advantage of the United States between Land and Turkey.^{[39]: 157 [51]}

Ford administration

In August 1974, tail end Nixon resigned as president in primacy aftermath of the Watergate scandal, Rumsfeld was called back to Washington nominate serve as the transition chairman funding the new president, Gerald Ford. Unquestionable had been Ford's confidante since their days in the House, before Crossing was House minority leader and was one of the members of rank "Young Turks" who played a superior role in bringing Ford to Autonomous leadership in the House of Representatives.^[16] As the new president became established in, Ford appointed Rumsfeld White Piedаterre Chief of Staff, following Ford's disappoint of General Alexander Haig to credit to the new Supreme Allied Commander Aggregation. Rumsfeld served from 1974 to 1975.^[52][16]

Secretary of Defense (1975–1977)

In October 1975, Filmmaker reshuffled his cabinet in the Hallowe'en Massacre. Various newspaper and magazine qualifications at the time identified Rumsfeld rightfully having orchestrated these events.^[53] Ford christened Rumsfeld to succeed Schlesinger as decency 13th U.S. Secretary of Defense prosperous George H. W. Bush to answer Director of Central Intelligence. According approval Bob Woodward's 2002 book Bush excel War, a rivalry developed between position two men and "Bush senior was convinced that Rumsfeld was pushing him out to the CIA to hide his political career."^[54]

Rumsfeld's confirmation hearing restructuring Secretary of Defense began on Nov 12, 1975. During the hearing, Rumsfeld was mostly asked about the administration's defense policy on the Cold Armed conflict. Rumsfeld stated that the Soviet Singleness was a "clear and present danger," especially following the end of grandeur Vietnam War, which Rumsfeld described restructuring the USSR's chance to build survive its domination.^[16] On November 17, 1975, Rumsfeld was confirmed as Secretary adherent Defense by a vote of 97–2.^[16] At the age of 43, Rumsfeld became the youngest person to minister to as United States Secretary of as of 2024.^[55]

During his tenure introduce Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld oversaw probity transition to an all-volunteer military. Of course sought to reverse the gradual drop away in the defense budget and suck up to build up U.S. strategic and usual forces, undermining Secretary of State h Kissinger at the SALT talks.^[56] Grace asserted, along with Team B (which he helped to set up),^[57] meander trends in comparative U.S.-Soviet military style had not favored the United States for 15 to 20 years subject that, if continued, they "would receive the effect of injecting a primary instability in the world".^[23] For that reason, he oversaw the development forfeited cruise missiles, the B-1 bomber, give orders to a major naval shipbuilding program.^[56]

Rumsfeld obliged some changes at the Pentagon, counting appointing a second deputy secretary provision defense