[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 4 (Monday, January 29, 2001)]
[Page 226]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.