Description
The swearing-in ceremony for Secretary of State Colin Powell in the Oval Office on January 26, 2001, inscribed by President George W. Bush.
Stated “Official White House Photo 27 JAN 01” on verso, measuring 8×10. This photograph was taken by White House photographer Eric Draper. Housed in custom blue cloth folder, title in gilt on front cover over red morocco label. Laid-in auction tag from Powell Estate Sale in Washington, D.C.
Signed in black pen along bottom margin: “To Colin / Best Wishes / George Bush.”
“I know of no better person to be the face and voice of American diplomacy than Colin Powell. His dignity and integrity will add to the strength and authority of America around the world.” -President George W. Bush at the swearing-in ceremony for Secretary of State Colin Powell, January 26th, 2001. Secretary Powell was sworn-in by Vice President Dick Cheney and the ceremony was attended by members of his extended family.
Colin Powell (1937-2021) served as the United States Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration, the first African American to hold the post. He also served as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan (1987-1989) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989-1993. Powell was discussed as a possible Republican presidential contender in 1996 and 2000, but he declined to run both times. He passed away in 2021, survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Alma Powell.
Provenance: Potomac Auction House, Lot 1078, Estate of Colin Powell.
