    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 16 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
    [Pages 733-734]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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]

    [[Page 734]]

        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 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.