Colin Powell – latest: Fox News under fire for coverage as tributes paid to first Black secretary of state

Colin Powell, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first Black US Secretary of State has died following complications from Covid-19.

The 84-year-old served in numerous Republican administrations, helping to shape American foreign policy for decades.

“General Colin L Powell, former US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the Powell family wrote in a statement on Facebook.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” they added.

The family said that Gen Powell was fully vaccinated.

He served in combat during the Vietnam War and later became the first Black national security adviser in the administration of President Ronald Reagan. When Mr Reagan’s Vice President George HW Bush took over, Gen Powell became the youngest and first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Gen Powell would later say that pushing faulty intelligence at the United Nations to advocate for the Iraq War as George W Bush’s Secretary of State was a “blot” on his record.

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Colin Powell’s family lead tributes after ex-secretary of state dies

Colin Powell death: Former secretary of state dies from Covid complications aged 84

Key Points

• Former Republican presidential nominee: ‘Today, the nation lost a man of undaunted courage’

• Fox News host uses death of Colin Powell to launch an anti-vaccine rant

• Trump impeachment witness praises Powell: ‘The epitome of a soldier-statesman'

• George W Bush leads Colin Powell tributes after ex-secretary of state dies

• DNC Chair: Powell ‘inspired me and showed that there are no limits to what we can be or achieve'

NYC Mayor: Powell embodied 'the greatness of New York City’

17:34 , Gustaf Kilander

Speaking about Gen Powell following his death on Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the former secretary of state was “an example of the greatness of New York City”.

Gen Powell was raised in Harlem and the Bronx by his parents, who were Jamaican immigrants. He later attended The City College of New York in Harlem.

“We’re particularly going to miss him because he showed the world what New York City is all about – that anyone here, anyone and everyone has the opportunity to be great and that we foster it, we respect it, we believe in each New Yorker. We’re going to miss him a lot and he made us very, very proud,” Mr de Blasio said.

Blinken: Powell ‘gave the State Department the very best of his leadership'

17:33 , Gustaf Kilander

Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded Gen Powell in a speech on Monday following his death.

“He gave the State Department the very best of his leadership,” Mr Blinken said. “His experience, his patriotism. He gave us his decency, and the State Department loved him for it.”

“He treated people the way he expected them to treat each other, and he made sure that they knew he would always have their back,” the secretary added. “The result was that his people would walk through walls for him.”

“Secretary Powell was simply and completely a leader, and he knew how to build a strong and united team,” Mr Blinken said, adding that he “trusted the career workforce here. He empowered them. He made sure that the desk officer, who knew a particular country or issue most deeply, was the one who got to brief him or the president”.

“He told his staff that they didn’t need to worry about getting him fancy lunches— hamburgers and hot dogs were just fine. When he hopped onto the elevator, he would pull others on with him. He didn’t bother with formalities and he wasn’t overly concerned with hierarchy either. He wanted to hear from everyone.

“He walked around the building, dropping into offices unannounced, asking what people needed, making sure they knew he was counting on them.”

Mitch McConnell: ‘America has lost a trailblazing leader’

17:32 , Gustaf Kilander

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has said that “America has lost a trailblazing leader” following the death of Secretary Powell.

“It is hard to imagine a more quintessentially American story: A son of Jamaican immigrants who learned Yiddish from his boyhood neighbours in the Bronx becomes a four-star General in the United States Army and serves four presidential administrations, including as National Security Advisor, the youngest-ever Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the first Black Secretary of State,” Mr McConnell said in a statement.

“As a young officer, General Powell rendered brave and distinguished service on the front lines,” he added. “As a senior leader, he helped four presidents protect our nation, represent us on the world stage, and chart our course through uncertain and turbulent times that included the dawn of a new century and the beginning of our global war on terrorists who will not leave America alone even if we leave them alone. Today we remember and honour a man who truly dedicated his entire life to serving his country.”

Former CIA officer and current Democratic representative praises Powell’s ‘leadership and commitment'

17:31 , Gustaf Kilander

Democratic Virginia Representative and former CIA officer Abigail Spanberger wrote on Twitter that she’s “grateful” for Secretary Powell’s “leadership and commitment to our nation,” adding that he “lived a life of extraordinary public service”.

How Colin Powell convinced Joe Biden to back the Iraq War

17:30 , Eric Garcia

Colin Powell had one of the most distinguished careers of any military official. But the former Secretary of State, who died on Monday, will perhaps be best remembered for testifying before the United Nations Security Council about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction, which overwhelmingly convinced many Americans and elected officials about invading the nation.

One of those elected officials was Joe Biden. At that point in February of 2003, Mr Biden was the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The October before, Mr Biden voted, along with 76 other Senators, to authorise the use of military force in Iraq.

At the time, Mr Powell, then Secretary of State, had the most credibility of any Bush administration official. A retired four-star US Army General who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, he was also the first Black secretary of state, and was often considered a potential Republican candidate for president.

Read more:

How Colin Powell convinced Joe Biden to back the Iraq War

Mike Pence: Powell was a ‘true American Patriot'

17:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Vice President Mike Pence has said that Gen Powell was a “true American Patriot”.

“Colin Powell was a true American Patriot who served our Nation with distinction in uniform, as a four-star general, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and as [the] 65th Secretary of State. Karen and I are praying for his wife, Alma, and the entire Powell family,” Mr Pence wrote on Twitter.

Fox News anchor deletes tweet stating that Powell’s death ‘raises new concerns about how effective vaccines are'

17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Fox News anchor John Roberts deleted a tweet in which he said that Gen Powell’s death raised questions about the efficacy of vaccines.

“The fact that Colin Powell died from a breakthrough COVID infection raises new concerns about how effective vaccines are long-term,” Mr Roberts wrote in the now-removed post.

Mr Roberts later added: “I deleted my tweet about the tragic death of Colin Powell because many people interpreted it as anti-vax. It was not. I was excited to get vaccinated, hoping it would help speed a return to ‘normal life’. I also did a PSA on Fox encouraging vaccination for those able.”

“As we all know, the FDA is now recommending boosters for certain people, and I personally know a number of people who have had breakthrough infections – some of them, quite troubling. Yes, Powell had myeloma, but I was still stunned to hear of his passing from Covid,” he wrote on Twitter.

Myeloma is a kind of blood cancer that makes it harder to fight infections.

“We live in the same town, and we would occasionally run into each [other] at the local sandwich shop. His death is a loss for our community and our country. I plan to get a booster as soon as possible,” Mr Roberts added.

Tony Blair: Powell was ‘a towering figure in American military and political leadership'

16:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued a statement lauding Gen Powell as a man who “inspired loyalty and respect”.

“Colin was a towering figure in American military and political leadership over many years, someone of immense capability and integrity, a hugely likeable and warm personality and a great companion, with a lovely and self-deprecating sense of humour,” Mr Blair said.

“He was wonderful to work with, he inspired loyalty and respect and was one of those leaders who always treated those under them with kindness and concern,” he added. “His life stands as a testament not only to dedicated public service but also a strong belief in willingness to work across partisan division in the interests of his country. I am so sorry to hear the news of his death. He still had so much to give. My thoughts and prayers are Alma and all his large and loving extended family.”

Former President Jimmy Carter: Powell’s ‘courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come’

16:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Jimmy Carter, 97, has issued a statement praising Colin Powell following his death, specifically mentioning the work they did together to solve international conflicts.

“Rosalynn and I join so many around the world in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell. A true patriot and public servant, we were honoured to work beside him to strengthen communities in the United States, help resolve conflict in Haiti, and observe elections in Jamaica,” Mr Carter said. “His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come. We will keep his family in our prayers during this difficult time.”

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: Powell was ‘an American icon'

16:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said in a statement following the death of Gen Powell that he was “an American icon whose career in public service will always be celebrated and remembered”.

“But to me he was simply my friend Colin,” she added. “Although we grew up in different contexts, we bonded over our family’s immigrant stories, our deep love of America, and our belief in the importance of public service.

“He was a wise and principled man, a loyal friend, and one of the kindest people I have ever met.

“I am a better person for having known him, and America is a better place because of him. He never forgot that he was a soldier.”

Infectious disease expert: Powell was ‘elderly and immunocompromised'

16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Infectious disease expert Céline Gounder noted on Twitter that while Gen Powell was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, his age and cancer diagnosis probably contributed to his death from complications from the virus.

“Yes, he was fully vaccinated, but he was also elderly and immunocompromised,” she wrote.

“More importantly, we should remember him for his service to the nation and to global public health,” she added. “Secretary of State Colin Powell warned that another pandemic, HIV/AIDS, posed ‘a clear and present danger to the world’. He said the health of Africa was a security issue.”

Former Vice President Dick Cheney praises Powell in statement

15:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Dick Cheney, who served as President George W Bush’s second in command, issued a statement praising Secretary Powell.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman,” Mr Cheney said. “General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him. He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well.”

Mr Cheney cited their work together during the Gulf War, but failed to mention the war in Iraq.

“Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State,” Mr Cheney said. “His legacy and unparalleled record of service will never be forgotten.”

Secretary of Defence Austin: ‘I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor'

15:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has said that he “lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor” following the passing of Secretary Powell.

“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. Alma lost a great husband, and the family lost a tremendous father,” Mr Austin told reporters in Georgia, in eastern Europe.

“And I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me, and I could always go to him with tough issues. He always had great counsel. We will certainly miss him,” he added. “I feel as if I have a hole in my heart just learning of this.”

Mr Austin is the first Black man to lead the Department of Defence and Gen Powell was the first Black man to serve as US secretary of state and as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

“Quite frankly, it is not possible to replace a Colin Powell,” Mr Austin said. “We will miss him.”

Rev Al Sharpton: ‘Though we disagreed on many issues, I always respected’ Secretary Powell

15:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Civil rights activist and talk show host The Reverend Al Sharpton wrote on Twitter that Secretary Powell was “a sincere and committed man to what he believed in”.

VIDEO: President George HW Bush awards Secretary Powell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991

15:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Fox News host uses death of Colin Powell to launch an anti-vaccine rant

14:50 , Gustaf Kilander

Fox News host Will Cain used the death of Colin Powell to launch an anti-vaccine rant.

“This day will be a day for many things,” Mr Cain said around an hour after the announcement of Secretary Powell’s death. “It’s also a day to remember the implications on everyday Americans.”

Mr Cain noted that the statement from the Powell family said that the General had died from complications from Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated.

“The family has made a point on their post on Facebook this morning that Colin Powell was fully vaccinated,” Mr Cain said. “And as Americans out there wonder what lies ahead for them and they search and they need truth moving forward, we’re seeing data from across the world. We’re seeing data from Europe, from the United Kingdom, the fully-vaccinated people are being hospitalized and fully-vaccinated are dying from Covid.”“And here we have a very high-profile example that is going to require more truth, more truth from our government, from our health leaders as well,” he added. “As we talk about this story on a day when state after state and institution after institution are pushing mandates for vaccination.”

NBC News reported that Secretary Powell was also suffering from multiple myeloma – a blood cancer that harms the body’s ability to fight infections.

A study from the CDC released in September found that unvaccinated adults are 11 times more likely to die of Covid-19 than those who have been vaccinated.

Former Republican presidential nominee: ‘Today, the nation lost a man of undaunted courage’

14:45 , Gustaf Kilander

The 2012 Republican nominee and current Senator from Utah, Mitt Romney, tweeted on Monday that Secretary Powell was “a statesman and trailblazer, devoted to America and the cause of liberty”.

Trump impeachment witness praises Powell: ‘The epitome of a soldier-statesman'

14:30 , Gustaf Kilander

One of the most high profile witnesses from former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, retired Lieutenant Colonel and the former Director for European Affairs for the US National Security Council, Alexander Vindman, tweeted that Secretary Powell “was a patriot committed to public service and doing his very best to advance US interests”.

Photos show Secretary Powell throughout his life

14:20 , Gustaf Kilander

DNC Chair: Powell ‘inspired me and showed that there are no limits to what we can be or achieve'

14:10 , Gustaf Kilander

The chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, paid tribute to Secretary Powell following the news of his death.

George W Bush leads Colin Powell tributes after ex-secretary of state dies

14:00 , Andrew Feinberg

Tributes to General Colin Powell, the first Black man to hold the posts of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, flowed in from across the world as news broke of his death on Monday.

In a statement announcing his passing from complications due to Covid-19, his family wrote: “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American”.

Former President George W Bush, who selected Gen Powell to be his Secretary of State after winning the 2000 presidential election, said in a statement that he and former First Lady Laura Bush were both “deeply saddened” by his passing.“

He was a great public servant starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam.

Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and expertise….he was such a favourite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice,” Mr Bush wrote.

“He was highly respected at home and abroad, and — most important — Colin was a family man and a friend.”

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Bush leads Colin Powell tributes after ex-secretary of state dies

Stacey Abrams: Powell ‘led with integrity, admitted fallibility and defended democracy'

13:50 , Gustaf Kilander

The Democratic nominee for Georgia governor in 2018, Stacey Abrams, paid tribute to Secretary Powell following his death from Covid-19.

Colin Powell death: Fully vaccinated former secretary of state dies from Covid complications aged 84

13:28 , Eric Garcia

Former Secretary of State Colin L Powell died of complications from Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated, his family said in a statement on his Facebook.

Mr Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants, was one of the most decorated military officials and served in multiple Republican administrations, including as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George H W Bush during the Persian Gulf War and Secretary of State for George W Bush.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” his family said in a statement.

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Former secretary of state Colin Powell has died