Bush’s Remarks on Departure

This is the text of President Bush’s remarks Thursday on the resignation of CIA Director George J. Tenet, as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks Inc.:

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I met with George last night in the White House. I had a good visit with him. He told me he was resigning for personal reasons. I told him I’m sorry he’s leaving. He’s done a superb job on behalf of the American people. I accepted his letter.

He will serve at the CIA as the director until mid-July, at which time the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John McLaughlin, will serve as the acting director.

George Tenet is the kind of public servant you like to work with. He’s strong, he’s resolute. He’s served his nation as the director for seven years. He has been a strong and able leader at the agency. He’s been a strong leader in the war on terror. And I will miss him.

I send my blessings to George and his family. I look forward to working with him until the time he leaves the agency.

And I wish him all the very best.