Former President of the United States George H.W Bush has died peacefully in his sleep, according to his publicist. He is survived by his wife Barbara, with whom he spent over 60 years with, his five children, including former President George W Bush and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and countless grandchildren.
His wife Barbara and the family released a statement saying ‘It is with a deep pain in my heart that I announce that my husband, and our former president, passed away last night surrounded by his friends and family. He loved us all deeply and it’s very hard losing him. We would like you to respect our privacy and let us grieve in our own time’
President Trump announced that all of the American flags in the Capitol will be flown at half-mast for the duration of the week and that the state funeral will be held at the end of the week, before the President was due to go on his first overseas trip. All living former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Carter are expected to attend along with their respective First Ladies. It will be the first time that Trump and Obama will have spoken since President Trump was inaugurated.
The White House released a statement saying ‘President Bush served this country with dignity and grace and is fondly remembered by those who knew him. It is in this moment that the President, First Lady and all of the cabinet extend their deepest condolences to his wife Barbara and the rest of the Bush family’.
Former colleagues on the hill, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi expressed their sympathies to the Bush family.
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has caused outrage for using his statement to bash the President rather than to offer sympathies for the Bush family.
Bush was the 41st President of the United States and also served as Vice President, CIA Director, Congressman, Senator, Ambassador to China and the United Nations.
More details will be reported as we receive them.