When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President’s views. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned; it was – by a taxpayer. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
Congress, the press, and the bureaucracy too often focus on how much money or effort is spent, rather than whether the money or effort actually achieves the announced goal. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
Work continuously to trim the White House staff from your first day to your last. All the pressures are to the contrary. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
One of your tasks is to separate the ‘personal’ from the ‘substantive.’ The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
Imagine, a September 11 with weapons of mass destruction. It’s not 3,000. It’s tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children. Donald Rumsfeld Read Quote
