Donald Henry Rumsfeld (1932-2021) was an American politician, businessman, and naval officer known for his long career in public service. He served as the 13th and 21st United States Secretary of Defense, making him both the youngest and the oldest person to hold the position. His first term was under President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, and his second was under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2006.
Rumsfeld's career included serving as a U.S. Congressman for Illinois (1963-1969), Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, Counselor to the President, U.S. Representative to NATO, and White House Chief of Staff. Before returning as Secretary of Defense in 2001, he was the chairman of Gilead Sciences. As Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush, he played a central role in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Rumsfeld resigned from his position as Secretary of Defense in 2006.
