History of Colin Powell in Timeline
Colin Powell was a distinguished American statesman and military leader who served as the 65th US Secretary of State. He made history as the first Black person to hold this position. His remarkable career also included roles as the 15th US National Security Advisor and 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He left an indelible mark on American foreign policy and military strategy.
April 5, 1937: Birth of Colin Powell
On April 5, 1937, Colin Luther Powell was born in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican immigrant parents.
1937: Early Life and Upbringing
Colin Powell was born in New York City in 1937 and spent his childhood in the South Bronx, where he received his education from New York City public schools.
1954: Graduation from Morris High School
Colin Powell graduated from Morris High School in 1954, marking the completion of his secondary education.
June 1958: Commissioning into the U.S. Army and Graduation
Colin Powell's military journey began in June 1958 when he graduated from the City College of New York with a bachelor's degree in geology and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
1958: Graduation from City College of New York
In 1958, Colin Powell earned his bachelor of science degree in geology from the City College of New York.
1960: Service at Fort Devens
From 1960, Colin Powell began his service at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.
August 25, 1962: Powell Marries Alma Johnson
Colin Powell married Alma Johnson on August 25, 1962, marking the beginning of their lifelong partnership.
1962: Completion of Service at Fort Devens
In 1962, Colin Powell concluded his service at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, marking the end of this chapter in his military career.
1962: Start of First Tour in Vietnam
Colin Powell's involvement in the Vietnam War began in 1962 when he embarked on his first tour of duty as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN).
1963: Injury During Vietnam War Service and Return to the U.S
In 1963, during his first tour in Vietnam, Colin Powell sustained an injury from a punji stake, leading to a significant infection that impacted his mobility and led to his early return to the United States.
1968: Second Tour in Vietnam and Receipt of the Soldier's Medal
Colin Powell returned to Vietnam in 1968 for his second tour of duty, during which he displayed extraordinary courage by rescuing three individuals, including Major General Charles M. Gettys, from a burning helicopter wreckage, earning him the Soldier's Medal for his bravery.
1968: Investigation of the My Lai Massacre
In the aftermath of the 1968 My Lai Massacre, Colin Powell was tasked with investigating the incident, a controversial event that raised questions about his assessment and handling of the situation.
1971: Completion of MBA at George Washington University
Colin Powell furthered his education by completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from George Washington University in 1971.
1971: Return from Vietnam and Pursuit of Higher Education
Upon his return to the United States from Vietnam in 1971, Colin Powell pursued an MBA degree from George Washington University.
1972: Selection for the White House Fellowship
Colin Powell's career reached new heights in 1972 when he was selected for the prestigious White House Fellowship, working under President Richard Nixon.
1973: Conclusion of the White House Fellowship
In 1973, Colin Powell successfully completed his tenure as a White House Fellow, gaining valuable experience and insights into the workings of the executive branch.
1973: Chilean Coup d'état
In 1973, the US supported a coup in Chile that replaced democratically elected president Salvador Allende with Augusto Pinochet.
1975: Attendance at the National War College
As part of his commitment to professional development, Colin Powell attended the National War College in Washington, D.C., starting in 1975.
1976: Completion of Studies at the National War College
Colin Powell concluded his studies at the National War College in 1976, further enhancing his strategic thinking and military expertise.
1976: Command of the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division
From 1976, Colin Powell took command of the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and commitment to military service.
1977: Conclusion of Command of the 2nd Brigade
In 1977, Colin Powell's command of the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, came to an end.
June 1, 1979: Promotion to Brigadier General
On June 1, 1979, Colin Powell was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. During the ceremony, he received a framed quote from President Abraham Lincoln about the significance of replacing a brigadier general.
July 1980: Advocating for Roy Benavidez's Medal of Honor
In July 1980, Colin Powell played a role in Roy Benavidez receiving the Medal of Honor. Benavidez had received the Distinguished Service Cross, but Powell supported the upgrade after a witness came forward.
December 1980: Roy Benavidez Receives Medal of Honor
In December 1980, Roy Benavidez was awarded the Medal of Honor, an upgrade supported by Colin Powell.
1983: Powell Assists Weinberger During Grenada Invasion
Colin Powell assisted Caspar Weinberger during the United States invasion of Grenada in 1983.
November 1985: Powell Delivers Legal Assessment on Arms Transfers
In November 1985, Colin Powell provided Caspar Weinberger with a legal assessment stating that transferring Hawk missiles to Israel or Iran without notifying Congress would be against the law.
November 1986: Exposure of the Iran-Contra Affair
The Iran-Contra affair, which involved the transfer of U.S. arms to Iran, was exposed by the Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa in November 1986. Colin Powell's involvement in the affair would later come under scrutiny.
1986: Powell Takes Command of V Corps and Serves as Deputy National Security Advisor
In 1986, Colin Powell assumed command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany. He also served as the Deputy National Security Advisor under Frank Carlucci that year.
1987: Powell Becomes National Security Advisor
Colin Powell was appointed as Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor in 1987, a position he held until 1989.
1987: Appointment as National Security Advisor
Colin Powell's influence on national security matters began in 1987 when he was appointed as the National Security Advisor.
April 1989: Powell Promoted to Four-Star General and Commands FORSCOM
In April 1989, Colin Powell was promoted to the rank of four-star general and given command of the Forces Command (FORSCOM).
October 1, 1989: Powell Becomes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
On October 1, 1989, Colin Powell took on the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
October 1989: Assumption of Duty as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Colin Powell took on the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October 1989, marking the start of his tenure in this critical position.
1989: Powell Oversees Invasion of Panama
Colin Powell oversaw the United States invasion of Panama in 1989, which aimed to remove General Manuel Noriega from power.
1989: Powell's Tenure as National Security Advisor Ends
Colin Powell's time as National Security Advisor concluded in 1989.
1989: Beginning of Wilkerson's Tenure as Powell's Chief of Staff
Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson began his tenure as Colin Powell's Chief of Staff in 1989, marking the beginning of a long-standing professional relationship.
1989: Appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
In 1989, Colin Powell achieved a significant milestone by becoming the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defense.
1990: Involvement in the Persian Gulf War
During 1990, Colin Powell played a pivotal role in the Persian Gulf War, a significant conflict that tested his leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1990: Award of Honorary Doctorate
In recognition of his exceptional contributions and service, Colin Powell was bestowed with an honorary doctor of public service degree from George Washington University in 1990.
1991: Continued Involvement in the Persian Gulf War
Colin Powell's involvement in the Persian Gulf War extended into 1991, during which he continued to shape the U.S. military's strategy and response.
1991: Powell Oversees Operation Desert Storm
Colin Powell played a key role in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
1991: Powell's Approach to Military Conflicts and the Powell Doctrine
Colin Powell's strategic approach to military conflicts, which emphasized using overwhelming force to maximize success and minimize casualties, was applied to Operation Desert Storm in 1991. This approach became known as the Powell Doctrine.
1992: Powell Considered as Potential Vice Presidential Nominee
Colin Powell's popularity and moderate stance led to him being considered as a potential vice presidential nominee by both the Democratic and Republican parties in the 1992 U.S. presidential election.
September 1993: Conclusion of Service as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
In September 1993, Colin Powell's service as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came to an end.
September 30, 1993: Powell's Time as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ends
Colin Powell's tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded on September 30, 1993.
1993: Completion of Tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
In 1993, Colin Powell concluded his term as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1995: Powell Becomes a Republican
Colin Powell became a moderate Republican in 1995, a political affiliation he maintained until 2021.
1995: Powell Declares as a Republican and Campaigns for Candidates
Colin Powell publicly declared himself as a Republican in 1995 and began campaigning for Republican candidates.
1995: Publication of "My American Journey"
Colin Powell shared his life story and experiences with the public in 1995 when he authored and published his autobiography, "My American Journey".
1996: Powell Declines to Run for President
Despite being a frontrunner in polls for the Republican presidential nomination, Colin Powell chose not to run in the 1996 U.S. presidential election, stating a lack of passion for politics.
1997: Founding of America's Promise and The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service
In 1997, Colin Powell established two significant organizations: America's Promise, dedicated to supporting children from all backgrounds, and The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service. The center focuses on empowering underrepresented communities in public service, fostering civic engagement, and addressing community needs.
December 16, 2000: Nomination for Secretary of State
On December 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush nominated Colin Powell as Secretary of State, making him the first to accept a Cabinet position in the administration.
2000: Powell Endorses George W. Bush for President
Colin Powell chose not to run for president in 2000, instead endorsing George W. Bush and speaking at the Republican National Convention. Following Bush's victory, Powell was appointed Secretary of State.
2000: Powell's Prediction on Saddam Hussein's Regime
In 2000, on the day of his nomination as Secretary of State, Colin Powell predicted the downfall of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.
January 20, 2001: Confirmation as Secretary of State
On January 20, 2001, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Colin Powell as Secretary of State.
February 24, 2001: Powell's Stance on Sanctions Against Iraq
On February 24, 2001, Colin Powell stated that sanctions imposed on Iraq had effectively prevented the development of weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein, highlighting his stance on international diplomacy.
April 1, 2001: Hainan Island Incident
On April 1, 2001, a US surveillance aircraft collided with a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea. Colin Powell's expression of regret, while not a formal apology, was accepted by China, but the event strained US-China relations.
September 11, 2001: Powell's Role During September 11 Attacks
During the September 11 attacks, Colin Powell was in Lima, Peru, for a meeting of the Organization of American States. The event thrust him into a crucial role in managing international relations and building a coalition for the War on Terrorism.
2001: Powell's Advocacy for Action Against al-Qaeda
In 2001, prior to 9/11, Colin Powell advocated for action against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, aligning with Richard A. Clarke's stance and contrasting with Paul Wolfowitz's focus on Iraq.
2001: Appointment as Secretary of State
In 2001, Colin Powell made history by becoming the first African American to serve as the United States Secretary of State, under President George W. Bush.
2001: Michael Powell Becomes FCC Chairman
In 2001, Colin Powell's son, Michael Powell, assumed the role of Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
2001: Appointment as Secretary of State
In 2001, Colin Powell was appointed as the Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, marking a significant milestone as the first black United States Secretary of State.
February 5, 2003: Powell's Address to the UN Security Council
On February 5, 2003, Colin Powell addressed the UN Security Council, presenting evidence and arguments in favor of military action against Iraq. His presentation, based on intelligence reports that were later found to be flawed, remains a significant event in the lead-up to the Iraq War.
February 2003: Powell's UN Presentation on Iraq's Weapons Capabilities
In February 2003, Colin Powell presented evidence to the UN Security Council in support of military action against Iraq, based on intelligence that was later found to be flawed. He later expressed regret for the speech, acknowledging the inaccurate information.
2003: Powell Attributes Iraq War Decision to Neoconservative Influence
Colin Powell attributed the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 to the influence of neoconservative ideology, particularly their belief in the necessity of regime change in Iraq for achieving peace in the Middle East.
2003: Powell's Role in the Invasion of Iraq
Colin Powell faced criticism for his role in justifying the 2003 invasion of Iraq, particularly his presentation to the UN Security Council, where he asserted that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, a claim that was later found to be inaccurate.
2003: Powell Criticizes US Role in 1973 Chilean Coup
During two separate interviews in 2003, Colin Powell expressed regret and criticism of the United States' role in the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, acknowledging the controversial nature of the event.
2003: Internal Debates and Pressure Surrounding Powell's UN Speech
In 2003, leading up to Colin Powell's UN speech, significant internal debates and pressure arose regarding the accuracy and reliability of the intelligence on Iraq's weapons capabilities. Powell later expressed regret over the speech, acknowledging the flawed intelligence.
2003: Iraq War Begins
The US invaded Iraq in 2003, marking a pivotal moment in Colin Powell's career due to his role as Secretary of State.
May 2004: Statement on the My Lai Massacre
In May 2004, Colin Powell addressed the My Lai Massacre, stating that he was part of the unit responsible for the area but arrived after the incident occurred, acknowledging the tragedy while also defending the overall relationship between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people.
September 13, 2004: Powell's Testimony on Intelligence Failures in Iraq
On September 13, 2004, Colin Powell testified before the Senate, acknowledging the inaccuracies in the intelligence that formed the basis of his 2003 UN presentation on Iraq's weapons capabilities. He admitted that the sources were wrong and called for reforms in the intelligence community.
September 2004: Powell Labels Darfur Crisis as Genocide
In September 2004, Colin Powell made a significant statement by publicly labeling the ongoing crisis in Darfur as "genocide," becoming the first US cabinet member to do so.
November 15, 2004: Powell Resigns as Secretary of State
On November 15, 2004, shortly after President Bush's re-election, Colin Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State following a call from Bush's Chief of Staff, Andrew Card, indicating Bush's desire for his departure.
2004: Iraq Survey Group Report
In 2004, the Iraq Survey Group released a report concluding that the evidence presented by Colin Powell regarding Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction was inaccurate, leading to further scrutiny of his role in the lead-up to the invasion.
2004: Resignation as Secretary of State
In 2004, following the reelection of President George W. Bush, Colin Powell stepped down from his position as Secretary of State.
2004: Powell Reportedly Refers to Neoconservatives as "Fucking Crazies"
In 2004, Colin Powell reportedly used the term "fucking crazies" to describe neoconservatives within the Bush administration during a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.
April 2005: Powell Expresses Reservations about John Bolton's Nomination
In April 2005, Colin Powell, after retiring as Secretary of State, privately expressed reservations about John Bolton's nomination as UN ambassador to Republican senators, potentially impacting Bolton's confirmation.
April 28, 2005: Blumenthal Alleges Powell's Campaign Against Bolton
On April 28, 2005, Sidney Blumenthal, in a Guardian article, alleged that Colin Powell was actively campaigning against John Bolton's nomination due to past disagreements, claiming Bolton may have spied on Powell's diplomatic efforts.
September 2005: Powell Criticizes Hurricane Katrina Response
In September 2005, Colin Powell criticized the handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, attributing the inadequate protection of many to poverty rather than race.
September 2005: Powell Expresses Regret Over UN Speech
In September 2005, Colin Powell publicly acknowledged that his 2003 UN speech on Iraq's weapons capabilities was a "blot" on his record, expressing regret over the flawed intelligence that underpinned his presentation.
2005: Resignation as Secretary of State
Colin Powell resigned from his position as Secretary of State in 2005, following the reelection of President George W. Bush.
2005: Michael Powell Steps Down as FCC Chairman
In 2005, Michael Powell, Colin Powell's son, concluded his tenure as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
January 5, 2006: Powell Participates in Foreign Policy Meeting
On January 5, 2006, Colin Powell joined a White House meeting with former Secretaries of Defense and State to discuss US foreign policy with Bush administration officials.
September 2006: Powell Expresses Opposition to Military Tribunals
Colin Powell voiced his opposition to President Bush's efforts to establish military tribunals for enemy combatants in a September 2006 letter to John McCain, raising concerns about the redefinition of the Geneva Convention and its impact on the perception of the US's fight against terrorism.
September 2006: Powell Supports Detainee Rights and Opposes Bush's Terrorism Bill
In September 2006, Colin Powell aligned with moderate Senate Republicans, supporting expanded rights for detainees and opposing President Bush's terrorism bill, expressing concern about the moral basis of the US's fight against terrorism.
December 2006: Powell Expresses Skepticism over Iraq War Troop Surge
Colin Powell publicly expressed doubts in December 2006 about the effectiveness of the proposed troop surge in Iraq, citing concerns over its impact on the ongoing civil war and the availability of sufficient military personnel.
2007: Criticism of Powell's Remarks on Jewish Groups and the Iraq War
In 2007, Colin Powell faced criticism for his remarks linking Jewish groups to the decision to invade Iraq, with concerns raised about potential implications for accusations of dual loyalty and anti-Semitism.
2007: Iraq War Troop Surge
In 2007, the US implemented a troop surge in Iraq, a strategy Colin Powell initially viewed with skepticism.
2007: Powell Donates to McCain's Campaign and Emerges as Potential Running Mate
During the summer of 2007, Colin Powell donated the maximum permissible amount to John McCain's presidential campaign and was subsequently considered as a possible running mate for the 2008 election.
2007: Powell Joins Revolution Health and Council on Foreign Relations
Colin Powell joined the board of directors of Steve Case's company, Revolution Health, in 2007 and also served on the Council on Foreign Relations board.
2007: Powell Addresses Iraq War at Aspen Ideas Festival
At the 2007 Aspen Ideas Festival, Colin Powell revealed he had advised President Bush on the implications of invading Iraq, emphasizing the importance of UN involvement and potential consequences of occupation. While advocating for diplomacy, Powell ultimately supported the President's decision.
October 2008: Powell Praises Progress in Iraq Following Obama Endorsement
After endorsing Barack Obama in October 2008, Colin Powell changed his stance and commended the progress made in Iraq, attributing it to General David Petraeus, US troops, and the Iraqi government.
October 19, 2008: Powell Endorses Obama for President
Colin Powell publicly endorsed Barack Obama for President on October 19, 2008, citing Obama's inspirational qualities, inclusive campaign, and strong communication skills.
December 12, 2008: Powell Discusses Palin's Impact on Republican Party
On December 12, 2008, in a CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, Colin Powell reiterated his belief that Sarah Palin's presence on the Republican ticket had shifted the party further right and had a polarizing effect.
2008: Powell Supports National Mentoring Month
Colin Powell served as a spokesperson for National Mentoring Month in 2008, a campaign aimed at recruiting mentors for at-risk youth.
2008: Powell Considered as McCain's Running Mate
Colin Powell was considered a potential running mate for John McCain in the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Powell Considered for Obama's Cabinet
Following Barack Obama's election in 2008, Colin Powell's name was circulated as a potential cabinet member, although he was not ultimately nominated.
2008: Powell Reaffirms Support for Iraq Invasion During Obama Endorsement
In 2008, while endorsing Barack Obama, Colin Powell reiterated his support for the 2003 Iraq invasion, stating his efforts to prevent it but ultimately standing by President Bush's decision.
July 2009: Powell Expresses Concerns over Obama Administration's Economic Policies
In July 2009, Colin Powell publicly expressed his apprehensions about the Obama administration's economic policies, specifically the expansion of the federal government and the growing budget deficit, during a CNN interview with John King.
September 2009: Powell Advises Obama Against Afghan Surge
Colin Powell advised President Obama against increasing US troop presence in Afghanistan in September 2009, a recommendation not followed by the president.
2009: Powell Concludes Troop Surge Should Have Happened Sooner
By mid-2009, Colin Powell concluded that the surge in US forces in Iraq should have been implemented earlier, suggesting late 2003 as a possible timeframe.
January 2010: Powell Supports Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Colin Powell, who initially suggested the "don't ask, don't tell" policy to President Clinton, supported its repeal in January 2010, citing changing circumstances.
September 2010: Powell Criticizes Obama Administration's Economic Focus
Colin Powell criticized the Obama administration in September 2010 for not prioritizing the economy and job creation with more focus.
2010: Powell Joins Smithsonian Advisory Council
In 2010, Colin Powell and his wife, Alma, became founding donors and joined the Smithsonian advisory council, supporting the museum's campaigns and advocating for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
November 2011: Powell Acknowledges Obama's Sound Decisions
In November 2011, Colin Powell acknowledged that Barack Obama had made several sound decisions, particularly in stabilizing the financial system, during a video broadcast on CNN.com.
October 25, 2012: Powell Endorses Obama for Re-election
On October 25, 2012, Colin Powell publicly endorsed President Obama for a second term during a broadcast of CBS This Morning, citing the Obama administration's successes in both foreign and domestic policy.
2012: Publication of "It Worked for Me: Lessons in Life and Leadership"
In 2012, Colin Powell imparted valuable insights and guidance from his distinguished career through his book, "It Worked for Me: Lessons in Life and Leadership".
2012: Benghazi Attack and Controversy
The 2012 Benghazi attack sparked controversy and investigations, with Colin Powell referring to it as a "stupid witch hunt" in a private email to then-US Ambassador Susan Rice.
2013: Powell Addresses Email Controversy
In 2013, Colin Powell faced public scrutiny and questions regarding his relationship with Romanian diplomat Corina Crețu after private emails from his AOL account were leaked. While acknowledging a personal email exchange, he denied any further involvement.
March 14, 2014: Powell Joins Salesforce.com Board of Directors
Salesforce.com announced Colin Powell's appointment to its board of directors on March 14, 2014.
October 2015: Powell Warns of Republican Party's Shift to the Right
In early October 2015, Colin Powell cautioned the Republican Party about its shift towards the far-right during a Washington Ideas forum, suggesting that this move could jeopardize future chances of securing the White House.
March 2016: Powell Condemns "Nastiness" of Republican Primaries
During a March 2016 interview on CBS This Morning, Colin Powell openly denounced the increasingly negative tone of the Republican primaries, likening the race to reality television due to its descent into personal attacks and mudslinging.
August 2016: Powell Accuses Clinton Campaign of Shifting Blame in Email Controversy
In August 2016, Colin Powell accused Hillary Clinton's campaign of attempting to deflect responsibility for her email controversy onto him, stating to People magazine that she had been using the private email server for a year before he sent her a memo about his own email practices.
September 13, 2016: Powell's Private Emails on Clinton and Trump Released
On September 13, 2016, private emails written by Colin Powell, containing candid remarks about both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, were made public.
October 25, 2016: Powell Endorses Clinton for President, Citing Trump's Lack of Qualifications
Colin Powell endorsed Hillary Clinton for President on October 25, 2016, stating that he believed she was qualified for the position, while Donald Trump was not.
2016: Receipt of Electoral Votes in the Presidential Election
In an unexpected turn of events, Colin Powell, who was not a candidate, received three electoral votes for President of the United States from Washington state during the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Powell Receives Electoral Votes
In the 2016 presidential election, Colin Powell received three electoral votes from faithless electors in Washington.
October 2019: Powell Criticizes GOP and Trump's Foreign Policy
In October 2019, Colin Powell publicly criticized the Republican Party, urging them to prioritize the country over their party loyalty. He also expressed concerns over President Trump's foreign policy, calling it "in shambles" and highlighting the need for GOP leaders to speak out against wrongdoings.
June 7, 2020: Powell Endorses Biden
On June 7, 2020, Colin Powell publicly announced his endorsement of Joe Biden for the 2020 United States presidential election. This decision followed his previous criticisms of the Republican party under Trump's leadership.
January 2021: Powell Disavows Republican Party
In January 2021, following the attack on the Capitol building by Trump supporters, Colin Powell made a significant statement by declaring that he could "no longer call myself a fellow Republican."
October 18, 2021: Death of Colin Powell
Colin Powell passed away on October 18, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19, which was exacerbated by a pre-existing blood cancer.
2021: Death from COVID-19 Complications
Colin Powell's life and legacy came to an end in 2021 as he succumbed to complications arising from COVID-19, which was particularly severe due to his compromised immune system caused by a form of blood cancer.
2021: Powell Renounces Republican Party After Capitol Attack
Following the January 6th Capitol attack, Colin Powell publicly renounced his Republican affiliation, called for Trump's resignation, and criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the election as dangerous for democracy.