As the nation united in mourning the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former President Donald Trump released a statement disparaging the decorated general and trailblazer.
“Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media. Hope that happens to me someday,” Trump stated in a statement issued Tuesday by his office. “He made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!”
He was the only living former U.S. president to speak ill of Powell, 84, who died of COVID-19 complications.
“General Colin Powell understood what was best in this country, and tried to bring his own life, career, and public statements in line with that idea,” Barack Obama was the former president “Michelle and I will always look to him as an example of what America—and Americans—can and should be.”
Former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary Hillary Clinton, said that Powell was “a courageous soldier, a skilled commander, a dedicated diplomat, and a good and decent man.”
Former President George W. Bush called Powell “a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. … He was such a favorite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom — twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad.”
President Joe Biden called Powell “his friend” “trusted confidant in good and hard times.”
“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all,” Biden made the statement in a statement.
Trump has not been the first to release a statement in which he insults the legacy and ties of those he didn’t consider an ally after their passing. Trump also criticized John Lewis and Sen. John McCain after their deaths.
Powell, a Republican, backed President Joe Biden in 2013 and spoke out after the Capitol Assault on January 6.
“Trump refuses to acknowledge that he wasn’t reelected. He has people who go along with him on that,” Powell spoke with Bob Woodward during a July interview.
Powell had called on Trump before that to resign following the insurrection.
“I wish he would do what Nixon did and step down. Somebody ought to go up to him, and it’s over,” Powell spoke in an interview with “Today” In January. “Plane’s waiting for you. You’re out.”