August 27, 2007

10:50 A.M. CDT

THE PRESIDENT: This morning, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced that he will leave the Department of Justice, after two and a half years of service to the department. Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency¹ and principle. And I have reluctantly accepted his resignation, with great appreciation² for the service that he has provided for our country.

As Attorney General and before that, as White House counsel, Al Gonzales has played a role in shaping our policies in the war on terror, and has worked tirelessly to make this country safer. The Patriot³ Act, the Military Commissions Act and other important laws bear his imprint⁴. Under his leadership, the Justice Department has made a priority of protecting children from Internet predators⁵, and made enforcement of civil rights laws a top priority. He aggressively and successfully pursued public corruption⁶ and effectively combated gang violence.

As Attorney General he played an important role in helping⁷ to confirm two fine jurists in Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. He did an outstanding job as White House Counsel, identifying and recommending the best nominees⁹ to fill critically important federal court vacancies¹⁰.

Alberto Gonzales's tenure¹¹ as Attorney General and White House Counsel is only part of a long history of distinguished¹² public service that began as a young man when, after high school, he enlisted¹³ in the United States Air Force. When I became governor of Texas in 1995, I recruited him from one of Texas's most prestigious¹⁴ law firms to be my general counsel. He went on to become Texas's 100th secretary of state and to serve on our state's supreme¹⁵ court. In the long course of our work together this trusted advisor¹⁶ became a close friend.

These various positions have required sacrifice from Al, his wife Becky, their sons Jared, Graham and Gabriel, and I thank them for their service to the country.

After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction¹⁷ at the Justice Department, Judge Gonzales decided¹⁸ to resign his position, and I accept his decision. It's sad that we live in a time when a talented and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeded¹⁹ from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons.

I've asked Solicitor²⁰ General Paul Clement²¹ to serve as Acting²² Attorney General upon Alberto Gonzales's departure and until a nominee⁸ has been confirmed by the Senate. He's agreed to do so. Paul is one of the finest lawyers in America. As Solicitor General, Paul has developed a reputation for excellence²³ and fairness, and earned the respect and confidence of the entire Justice Department.

Thank you.

END 10:54 A.M. CDT