Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reflecting on the life, character and legacy of former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday, following the announcement of his death at age 84.

As many gave their condolences to his family and noted they were “saddened” by Powell’s death, former President George W. Bush highlighted how much Powell was trusted by several US presidents. 

“He was a great public servant, starting with his  time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and secretary of state during my Administration. He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom — twice,” Bush wrote. 

“He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”

Powell died Monday as a result of complications from COVID-19, his family said in a statement. The former military leader was fully vaccinated against the virus. 

Powell had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that can damage the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, according to NBC News.

“We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment.  We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” his family said. 

“I’m deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman. General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him. He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well,” former Vice President Dick Cheney said in a statement, noting how he saw Powell’s “dedication” to the US when working with him during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

“Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State.”

“Lynne and I extend our prayers and profound condolences to his wife, Alma, and to their children. His legacy and unparalleled record of service will never be forgotten.”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, whom Powell called a “superb choice” for leading the Pentagon, told reporters Monday that he feels “as if I have a hole in my heart.”

“The world lost one of the great leaders we have ever witnessed … and I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor.” 

Some on social media reflected on the historic changes Powell made during his service, most notably as the first black secretary of state.

“This is hitting me hard,” Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, wrote on Twitter. “Colin Powell was a statesman who put his country & family above all else. As a young Black man, he inspired me & showed that there are no limits to what we can be or achieve. Sending my prayers to his family.  Rest In Peace Secty”

“RIP to Colin Powell, a trailblazer,” Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) said. “Our prayers are with his family.”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) echoed Buck’s sentiment, highlighting the former military leader’s disposition. 

“Today, the nation lost a man of undaunted courage and a champion of character. A statesmen & trailblazer, devoted to America and the cause of liberty, Colin Powell’s legacy of service & honor will long inspire. Ann & I offer our love & sincere condolences to Alma and his family.”

“Gen. Colin Powell lived a life of honor and integrity. A four-star general, the first Black US Secretary of State, and an NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient. He was a good man who inspired many,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a statement.

Other lawmakers labeled Powell a “true leader” and “American hero.”

“General Colin Powell was a true American hero who embodied the values and character we should all strive for. May we take this time to honor his life and his service to our nation. My prayers are with his family as they mourn this incredible loss,” Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) wrote. 

“I am saddened to hear that four-star general Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has passed away,” Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said in a tweet, adding, “America has lost a true leader and American patriot, but we will always remember his service to the United States of America!”

Robert O’Brien, who served as US national security adviser in the Trump administration, said Powell’s life “embodied the American dream.”

“Colin Powell was a soldier, diplomat & statesman of the highest order. His life embodied the American dream. The 16th Nat’l Security Advisor, he set a standard of integrity & professionalism for all of us who succeeded him. Requiescat in pace, General & may God bless your family.”

“Very sad and shocking news that former Secretary of State Colin Powell has passed. I had the honor of meeting Secretary Powell several times over the years,  and this is tragic news,” Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) wrote. “My thoughts are with his wife, family, and all he served with during this dark time.”

Democratic former Georgia state House member Stacey Abrams also offered her condolences, saying the secretary of state “led with integrity, admitted fallibility and defended democracy.” 

Former Acting Director of United States National Intelligence Richard Grennell thanked Powell for his service and his family “for their sacrifice, too.” 

“Thank you for your service, former Secretary of State Colin Powell. RIP. And a sincere thank you to your family for their sacrifices, too,” he posted on Twitter.

“Saddened by the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell,” Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) wrote, adding that Powell was “A true servant leader and soldier-statesman. Thank you for serving this great nation.”

Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) called Powell a “patriot and true statesman,” saying he and his wife are praying for his family.

In her reaction to his death, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) noted that Powell “never quit serving” even after his official retirement.

“He devoted so much to our nation’s children with America’s Promise. Our prayers are with his wife Alma and their family,” she wrote.

Rep. Stacey Plaskett, the Democratic delegate to the House of Representatives from the US Virgin Islands, called Powell a “towering figure.”

“Colin Powell, a towering figure to me. Caribbean American, Native New Yorker, Statesman, Soldier, Diplomat, humble, hardworking, thoughtful, accountable. Loved his family his country. God’s grace to his loved ones. Rest In Peace.”

Other lawmakers, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) also expressed sadness and shock over Powell’s death.