[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
[April 19, 2006]
[Pages 744-745]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Announcing the Resignation of Press Secretary Scott 
McClellan
April 19, 2006

    Press Secretary McClellan. Good morning, everybody. I am here to 
announce that I will be resigning as White House Press Secretary.
    Mr. President, it has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to 
have served you for more than 7 years now, the last 2 years and 9 months 
as your Press Secretary.
    The White House is going through a period of transition. Change can 
be helpful, and this is a good time and good position to help bring 
about change. I am ready to move on. I've been in this position a long 
time, and my wife and I are excited about beginning the next chapter in 
our life together.
    You have accomplished a lot over the last several years with this 
team, and I have been honored and grateful to be a small part of a 
terrific and talented team of really good people.
    Our relationship began back in Texas, and I look forward to 
continuing it, particularly when we are both back in Texas.
    The President. That's right. [Laughter]
    Press Secretary McClellan. Although, I hope to get there before you. 
[Laughter]
    I have given it my all, sir, and I've given you my all. And I will 
continue to do so as we transition to a new Press Secretary

[[Page 745]]

over the next 2 to 3 weeks. Thank you for the opportunity.
    The President. First of all, I thank Scott for his service to our 
country. I don't know whether or not the press corps realizes this, but 
his is a challenging assignment dealing with you all on a regular basis. 
And I thought he handled his assignment with class, integrity. He really 
represents the best of his family, our State, and our country. It's 
going to be hard to replace Scott. But nevertheless, he's made the 
decision, and I accept it.
    One of these days, he and I are going to be rocking on chairs in 
Texas, talking about the good old days and his time as the Press 
Secretary. And I can assure you, I will feel the same way then that I 
feel now, that I can say to Scott, ``Job well done.''
    Press Secretary McClellan. Thank you, sir.

Note: The President spoke at approximately 9:39 a.m. on the South Lawn 
at the White House.