Bill Clinton

My statement on America at 250 and the state of the country:

Happy 80th birthday to my friend George W. Bush! Your friendship—and that of your father and your entire family—has been one of the great gifts of my life. It has always reminded me that long before we’re politicians, we’re fellow Americans and, above all, human beings. And for the next month, I’m especially grateful to finally have someone older than me! Wishing you many more years of good health, happiness, and friendship. Our country is stronger when we remember that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

America has become the longest-lasting democracy in history in large part thanks to generations of immigrants who have brought their talents, hard work, and dreams to our country. I was honored to welcome Pedro, who will help us write the next chapter of our American story.

Clive Davis had a golden ear, a brilliant mind, and a good heart. I’ll always be grateful for his kindness through the years. His legacy will live on through all the artists and music he helped bring to the world, which have been the soundtrack to millions of lives.

The job of Fed Chairman is one of the hardest in Washington. Every move is heavily scrutinized at home and around the world, not only at the moment rate decisions are made, but for years and decades afterward. The best we can hope for is someone who is wise but takes good advice from experts around them, exudes confidence and integrity, and who always keeps the country’s best interests front and center. Alan Greenspan was all of those things and more. I enjoyed my conversations, and occasional arguments, with him when I was President. My heart goes out to Andrea and everyone who loved him. We were lucky to have him as long as we did.

Juneteenth is both a joyous celebration and a solemn reminder that the road to justice and equality is a long one that we must all walk together. Today, let’s renew our commitment to one another that we will stay vigilant, that we will not turn back, and that we will build a future we can all truly share.

Today, Hillary and I were honored to be on the South Side of Chicago to celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Center tells the story of eight years of progress, and is a stirring reminder of the power—and responsibility—we have as citizens shape a better future. Congratulations, Barack and Michelle, on this extraordinary accomplishment!

What an incredible season! Basketball fans everywhere will remember the team that embodied New York grit, never quit, and battled to the final buzzer. Congratulations to James Dolan, Coach Mike Brown, Captain Jalen Brunson, every member of the New York Knicks organization, and the loyal Knicks faithful who waited 53 years to celebrate this championship!

Like all great chefs, André Poirot melded his talent, training, and discipline with that rare extra ingredient, the ability to prepare dishes that bring people together with shared delight. He was a perfect fit for our restaurant at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock and we were so fortunate to have him in our kitchen and our lives as long as we did. He’ll be missed not only by all of us at the Center, but by everyone in Little Rock and around the world who were lucky to have gathered around a table to sample his gifts. arkansasonline.com/news/2026/jun/…

Nothing like a World Cup coming to the Americas! Welcome to all and go USA!

I want to congratulate Alice, Olivia Walton, Moshe Safdie, the museum team, and everyone whose hard work brought this vision to life. They have created something that will serve Arkansas, and our country, for generations to come.

But Alice Walton has imagined something even bigger: a place where art, education, health, and wellness come together to improve lives. The same campus that houses Crystal Bridges now includes the Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, known as AWSOM. What’s taking shape here is a model for how communities can invest in creativity, health, and opportunity all at the same time. That’s how you build a future.

When Alice Walton first imagined Crystal Bridges, some wondered whether a world-class museum could thrive in Arkansas. Today, an extraordinary institution built in the Ozarks welcomes visitors from around the world, expands opportunity at home, and reminds us that art belongs to everybody.

Few musicians have ever pushed the boundaries of what is possible on their instrument the way Sonny Rollins did. Even into his 80s he never stopped innovating and experimenting. I'm grateful for his long life and career, and for the thrill of having the chance to pay tribute to him at the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.

Memorial Day is an essential reminder that our 250-year-old democracy is a treasure worth protecting. We owe it to the sacrifice of those who gave what President Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion” to not only honor them, but to renew our commitment to the republic for which they stood.

Barney Frank was a trailblazer, a friend, an ally, an advisor, and an incredibly effective member of Congress for more than 30 years. He was skilled in both policy and politics—a leader on national and local issues alike, equally famed for his constituent services as he was for his legislative ability. His counsel and candor made me a better President, and his tenacity made America stronger, fairer, and more inclusive. My thoughts are with his husband, Jim, his sister, Ann, and everyone who loved him.