US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, also a retired Army General and the first black Pentagon chief said, 'The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed'. Bush also said 'he was a great public servant' and 'widely respected at home and abroad'. Bush said that he and former first lady Laura Bush were 'deeply saddened' by Powell's death. He further said Powell 'embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat'.įormer President George W. The death of Powell has drawn an outpouring of grief, sympathy and praise from political leaders, both former and current, including President Joe Biden who described Powell as a 'dear friend' and a dedicated public servant.
