Secretary Elaine Chao’s Statement
on the Passing of the Honorable George P. Shultz
February 7, 2021
George P. Shultz was a great statesman, respected scholar, and beloved American patriot. He served our country first on the battlefield in World War II, and then distinguished himself serving two U.S. Presidents in four cabinet level posts. As a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, I am especially grateful for his leadership as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Labor in ensuring equal opportunity for all American workers. I taped a video for his 100th birthday at the end of last year noting his many contributions to our country. Whenever I visited California for the Christmas holidays, I always made an effort to have lunch with him and glean his insightful perspectives. He was always reflecting upon the major issues of the times; his thinking was crystal clear, profound, and thoughtful. His calm, steady counsel to numerous President and policy makers and commitment to equality, opportunity and economic growth is part of how he will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved Charlotte, whom he married late in life but their courtship and marriage is the stuff of endless romantic tales.
