[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[January 26, 2001]
[Page 22]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Donald H. Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense
January 26, 2001

    It's a great honor to welcome Secretary Rumsfeld and his 
wife and family here to the Oval Office. 
Thank you all for coming.
    In swearing in Don Rumsfeld, we have just sworn in a leader of 
exceptional strength and ability and vision. And I'm grateful that he 
has returned to service to our country.
    Don and I have set three clear goals to guide American defense 
policy:
    First, we will strengthen the bond of trust between the American 
people and those who wear our Nation's uniform. We'll give them the 
tools they need and the respect they deserve.
    Second, we will work to defend our people and our allies against 
growing threats, the threats of missiles, information warfare, the 
threats of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. We will confront 
the new threats of a new century.
    Third, we will begin creating the military of the future, one that 
takes full advantage of revolutionary new technologies. We will promote 
the peace by redefining the way wars will be fought.
    These are great and exciting objectives, and our new Secretary of 
Defense is uniquely qualified to accomplish them. As a former Navy 
pilot, Don Rumsfeld understands that if we ever send our forces into 
harm's way, we must send them fully prepared and equipped for the 
dangers they face. As a highly successful businessman, he understands 
that we must modernize and transform the business of defense, getting 
the value for our taxpayers' money. He is willing to challenge the 
status quo inside the Pentagon.
    As the head of the National Commission on Ballistic Missile Threats, 
he is the among the country's most informed experts on this vital issue. 
As a former Congressman, he understands the need to work closely with 
the Congress. As a former White House Chief of Staff, as a former 
Secretary of Defense, he understands what it takes to be a leader.
    This is an exceptional history of service, and Don Rumsfeld is an 
exceptional man with integrity and honesty as a cornerstone of his 
foundation.
    Mr. Secretary, congratulations.

Note: The President spoke at 1:23 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Joyce Rumsfeld, wife of Secretary 
Rumsfeld. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
also included the remarks of Secretary Rumsfeld.