From The White House • December 4, 2018

‘Thank you for sharing this special man with our Nation’

As America mourns the loss of its 41^st President, George H.W. Bush, President Donald J. Trump and the First Lady have extended condolences and appreciation to the entire Bush family on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Last night, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled to the U.S. Capitol to pay their respects as former President Bush lay in state. Earlier in the evening, Vice President Mike Pence paid tribute to the 41^st commander-in-chief, remembering his character, wit, and lifelong commitment to public service.



“On behalf of the First Family, and my family, and the American people, we offer our deepest sympathies and respects to your family,” Vice President Pence told former President George W. Bush and other family members gathered in the Capitol Rotunda. “And we thank you for sharing this special man with our Nation and the world.”

Today, First Lady Melania Trump hosted former First Lady Laura Bush at the White House, giving her a personal tour of this year’s Christmas decorations and theme, “American treasures.” A few hours later, she and President Trump paid the Bush family a personal visit at Blair House across the street from the White House grounds.

President Trump and the First Lady will attend President Bush’s State Funeral ceremony tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET.

Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush

 

Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night.

Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, “a thousand points of light” illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.

President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher.  As a young man, he captained the Yale baseball team and served as the youngest aviator in the United States Navy during the Second World War.  Later in life, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics as a Congressman from Texas, envoy to China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President of eight years to President Ronald Reagan, and finally President of the United States.

With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War.  As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed.  And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.

Along with his full life of service to country, we will remember President Bush for his devotion to family—especially the love of his life, Barbara.  His example lives on, and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause.  Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honor the life and legacy of 41.