Quotes by Donald Rumsfeld

About Donald Rumsfeld:

Donald Henry Rumsfeld is an American politician and businessman. Rumsfeld served as the 13th Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford, and as the 21st Secretary of Defense from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. He is the youngest and the second oldest (after Leon Panetta) person to have served as Secretary of Defense. Additionally, Rumsfeld was a four-term U.S. Congressman from Illinois (1962–1969), Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (1969–1970), Counsellor to the President (1969–1973), the United States Permanent Representative to NATO (1973–1974), and White House Chief of Staff (1974–1975).
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that's just a fact.

Donald Rumsfeld

Simply because you do not have evidence that something exists does not mean that you have evidence that it doesn't exist.

Donald Rumsfeld

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.

Donald Rumsfeld

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

Donald Rumsfeld

If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won't 'sail' anyway. Send it back for furt...

Donald Rumsfeld

Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed or what's gone amiss. Few are able to see what isn't there.

Donald Rumsfeld

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.

Donald Rumsfeld

If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.

Donald Rumsfeld

When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.

Donald Rumsfeld

Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.

Donald Rumsfeld

One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.

Donald Rumsfeld

Public servants are paid to serve the American people. Do it well.

Donald Rumsfeld

With the press there is no 'off the record.'

Donald Rumsfeld

Reduce the number of lawyers. They are like beavers - they get in the middle of the stream and dam it up.

Donald Rumsfeld

The way to do well is to do well.

Donald Rumsfeld

You're thinking of Eurpoe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe.

Donald Rumsfeld

Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate are not there by accident. Each managed to get there for some reason. Learn what it was and you will know something important about them, about our country and about the American people.

Donald Rumsfeld

When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.

Donald Rumsfeld

Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.

Donald Rumsfeld

If you develop rules, never have more than ten.

Donald Rumsfeld

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.

Donald Rumsfeld

Author Bio

  • NameDonald Rumsfeld
  • DescriptionU.S. Secretary of Defense
  • BornJuly 9, 1932
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Officer; Diplomat
  • AwardsPresidential Medal Of Freedom