# Leon Panetta > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Leon_Panetta > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Leon_Panetta.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Panetta > Source revision: 1355553641 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American politician and government official (born 1938)}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Leon Panetta | image = Leon Panetta, official DoD photo portrait, 2011.jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2011 | office = 23rd [United States Secretary of Defense](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense) | president = [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama) | deputy = [William J. Lynn III](/source/William_J._Lynn_III)
[Ash Carter](/source/Ash_Carter) | term_start = July 1, 2011 | term_end = February 26, 2013 | predecessor = [Robert Gates](/source/Robert_Gates) | successor = [Chuck Hagel](/source/Chuck_Hagel) | office1 = 3rd [Director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency) | president1 = Barack Obama | deputy1 = [Stephen Kappes](/source/Stephen_Kappes)
[Michael Morell](/source/Michael_Morell) | term_start1 = February 13, 2009 | term_end1 = June 30, 2011 | predecessor1 = [Michael Hayden](/source/Michael_Hayden_(general)) | successor1 = [Michael Morell](/source/Michael_Morell) (acting) | office2 = 18th [White House Chief of Staff](/source/White_House_Chief_of_Staff) | president2 = [Bill Clinton](/source/Bill_Clinton) | term_start2 = July 17, 1994 | term_end2 = January 20, 1997 | predecessor2 = [Mack McLarty](/source/Mack_McLarty) | successor2 = [Erskine Bowles](/source/Erskine_Bowles) | office3 = 29th Director of the [Office of Management and Budget](/source/Office_of_Management_and_Budget) | president3 = Bill Clinton | term_start3 = January 21, 1993 | term_end3 = July 17, 1994 | predecessor3 = [Richard Darman](/source/Richard_Darman) | successor3 = [Alice Rivlin](/source/Alice_Rivlin) | office4 = Chair of the [House Budget Committee](/source/United_States_House_Committee_on_the_Budget) | term_start4 = January 3, 1989 | term_end4 = January 21, 1993 | predecessor4 = [Bill Gray](/source/William_H._Gray_(Pennsylvania_politician)) | successor4 = [Martin Olav Sabo](/source/Martin_Olav_Sabo) | state5 = [California](/source/California) | term_start5 = January 3, 1977 | term_end5 = January 21, 1993 | predecessor5 = [Burt Talcott](/source/Burt_Talcott) | successor5 = [Sam Farr](/source/Sam_Farr) | constituency5 = {{ushr|CA|16|C}} (1977–1993)
{{ushr|CA|17|C}} (1993) | birth_name = Leon Edward Panetta | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1938|6|28}} | birth_place = [Monterey, California](/source/Monterey%2C_California), U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)) (before 1971)
[Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) (1971–present) | spouse = Sylvia Varni | children = 3, including [Jimmy](/source/Jimmy_Panetta) | education = [Santa Clara University](/source/Santa_Clara_University) ([BA](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts), [JD](/source/Juris_Doctor)) | signature = Leon Panetta Sig.svg | allegiance = United States | branch = [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army) | service_years = 1964–1966 | rank = [First Lieutenant](/source/First_lieutenant) | mawards = [Army Commendation Medal](/source/Commendation_Medal) | module = {{Listen |pos=center |embed=yes |filename=Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta Testifies on DOD Collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.ogg |title=Panetta's voice |type=speech |description=Panetta testifying on collaboration between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs
Recorded July 25, 2012}} }} '''Leon Edward Panetta''' (born June 28, 1938){{cite web |title=PANETTA, Leon Edward |url=https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/19335 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives}} is an American retired politician and government official who served under several Democratic administrations as [Secretary of Defense](/source/Secretary_of_Defense_of_the_United_States) (2011–2013), [Director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency) (2009–2011), [White House Chief of Staff](/source/White_House_Chief_of_Staff) (1994–1997), director of the [Office of Management and Budget](/source/Office_of_Management_and_Budget) (1993–1994), as well as a [U.S. representative](/source/U.S._Representative) from [California](/source/California) (1977–1993). Panetta was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1993. He served under President [Bill Clinton](/source/Bill_Clinton) as Director of the [Office of Management and Budget](/source/Office_of_Management_and_Budget) from 1993 to 1994 and as [White House Chief of Staff](/source/White_House_Chief_of_Staff) from 1994 to 1997. He cofounded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy in 1997 and served as a distinguished scholar to [chancellor](/source/Chancellor_(education)) [Charles B. Reed](/source/Charles_B._Reed) of the [California State University](/source/California_State_University) system and as a professor of [public policy](/source/Public_policy_(law)) at [Santa Clara University](/source/Santa_Clara_University). In January 2009, newly elected president [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama) nominated Panetta to be [director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency).{{cite news| url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/leon-panetta-tapped-to-head-cia-prompting-criticism-from-lawmakers/ |publisher=Fox News | title=Leon Panetta Tapped to Head CIA, Prompting Criticism From Lawmakers | date=January 5, 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nbc11news.com/news/politics/headlines/37337444.html |title=Obama names Panetta for CIA |date=January 9, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=January 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128135717/http://www.nbc11news.com/news/politics/headlines/37337444.html |archive-date=January 28, 2016 }} Panetta was confirmed by the [Senate](/source/United_States_Senate) in February 2009. As director of the CIA, Panetta oversaw [the operation](/source/Operation_Neptune_Spear) that killed [Osama bin Laden](/source/Osama_bin_Laden). On April 28, 2011, Obama announced the nomination of Panetta as defense secretary to replace the retiring [Robert Gates](/source/Robert_Gates). In June, the Senate confirmed Panetta unanimously and he assumed the office on July 1, 2011.{{cite web |url=https://history.defense.gov/Multimedia/Biographies/Article-View/Article/571278/leon-e-panetta/ |title=Leon E. Panetta - Barack Obama Administration |work=Office of the Secretary of Defense - Historical Office}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43591679 |title=Obama bids farewell to defense secretary |publisher=NBC News |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=December 20, 2011}} [David Petraeus](/source/David_Petraeus) became CIA director on September 6, 2011.{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/petraeus-sworn-cia-chief-152014281.html |title=Petraeus sworn in as new CIA chief |first=Tangi |last=Quemener |publisher=[Agence France-Presse](/source/Agence_France-Presse) |date=September 6, 2011 |access-date=September 6, 2011}} Since retiring as Defense Secretary in 2013, Panetta has served as chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, located at [California State University, Monterey Bay](/source/California_State_University%2C_Monterey_Bay), a campus of the California State University that he helped establish during his tenure as congressman.{{Cite web|url=http://panettainstitute.org/|title=The Panetta Institute for Public Policy {{!}}|website=panettainstitute.org|access-date=2016-11-03}} The institute is dedicated to motivating and preparing people for lives of public service and helping them to become more knowledgeably engaged in the democratic process. He also serves on a number of boards and commissions and frequently writes and lectures on public-policy issues. Secretary Panetta's son, [Jimmy Panetta](/source/Jimmy_Panetta), has held the elder Panetta's former seat in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. ==Early life, education, and military service== Panetta was born in [Monterey, California](/source/Monterey%2C_California), the son of Carmelina Maria (Prochilo) and Carmelo Frank Panetta, [Italian](/source/Italians) [immigrants](/source/Immigration_to_the_United_States) from [Gerace](/source/Gerace) in [Calabria](/source/Calabria), Italy. In the 1940s, the Panetta family owned a restaurant in Monterey.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3VLGh02rC2sC&q=Carmelina+Prochilo+Panetta |title= Current Biography Yearbook - 1993 |date=31 December 1993 |via=Amazon.com |access-date=2 December 2016|last1= Moritz |first1= Charles |publisher= H. W. Wilson Company |isbn= 9780824201289 }} He was raised in the Monterey area and attended two [Catholic grammar school](/source/Religious_education)s: San Carlos School (Monterey) and Junípero Serra School (Carmel). He attended [Monterey High School](/source/Monterey_High_School_(Monterey%2C_California)), where he became involved in student politics, and was a member of the [Junior Statesmen of America](/source/Junior_Statesmen_of_America).{{cite web|url=http://www.jsa.org/alumni-friends/hon.-leon-panetta-appointed-cia-director.html |title=Hon. Leon Panetta Appointed CIA Director |date=May 21, 2009 |work=Alumni |publisher=JSA and the Junior Statesmen Foundation |access-date=11 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100209070657/http://www.jsa.org/alumni-friends/hon.-leon-panetta-appointed-cia-director.html |archive-date=February 9, 2010 }} As a junior, he was the vice president of the student body, and as a senior, he became its president.[http://law.scu.edu/lawyerswholead/leon-panetta.cfm Profile of Leon Panetta] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309162103/http://law.scu.edu/lawyerswholead/leon-panetta.cfm |date=March 9, 2012 }}, [Santa Clara University](/source/Santa_Clara_University) Law School, accessed April 28, 2011 In 1956, he entered [Santa Clara University](/source/Santa_Clara_University) and graduated ''[magna cum laude](/source/Latin_honors)'' in 1960 with a BA in [political science](/source/political_science). In 1963, he received a [Juris Doctor](/source/Juris_Doctor) from the [Santa Clara University School of Law](/source/Santa_Clara_University_School_of_Law). In 1964, he joined the [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army) as a [second lieutenant](/source/Second_Lieutenant), served as an officer in the [Army Military Intelligence Corps](/source/United_States_Army_Military_Intelligence), and received the [Army Commendation Medal](/source/Army_Commendation_Medal).{{cite web|title=Message to the Department of Defense from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14621 |access-date=1 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706091242/http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14621 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }} In 1966, he was discharged as a [first lieutenant](/source/First_Lieutenant).[https://web.archive.org/web/19970616225556/http://www1.pbs.org/newshour/bb/bio/panetta_bio.html Biography, Leon Panetta], ''News Hour'', Public Broadcasting Service, accessed April 28, 2011 ==Political career== ===Early political career=== Panetta started in politics in 1966 as a [legislative assistant](/source/legislative_assistant) to Republican [senator](/source/United_States_Senate) [Thomas Kuchel](/source/Thomas_Kuchel), the [Senate Minority whip](/source/United_States_Senate_Minority_Whip) from California, whom Panetta has called "a tremendous role model."[http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people/Panetta/panetta-con2.html "Conversation with Leon Panetta"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907112757/http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people/Panetta/panetta-con2.html |date=September 7, 2009 }}, p. 2 In 1969, Panetta became the assistant to [Robert H. Finch](/source/Robert_Finch_(American_politician)), [secretary](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Health%2C_Education%2C_and_Welfare) of the [United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare](/source/United_States_Department_of_Health%2C_Education%2C_and_Welfare) under the [Nixon administration](/source/Nixon_administration). Soon thereafter, he was appointed director of the [Office for Civil Rights](/source/Office_for_Civil_Rights).Gizzi, John (April 28, 2011), [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=43198 "Leon Panetta: Bipartisan in Spirit but a Liberal at Heart"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428184244/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=43198 |date=April 28, 2011 }}, ''Human Events'' Panetta chose to enforce [civil rights](/source/civil_rights) and equal-education laws over the objection of Richard Nixon, who wanted enforcement to move slowly in keeping with his strategy to gain political support among Southern whites.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} [Robert Finch](/source/Robert_Finch_(American_politician)) and assistant secretary [John Veneman](/source/John_Veneman) supported Panetta and refused to fire him, threatening to resign if forced to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19700223&id=7PxHAAAAIBAJ&pg=3933,3477024|title=The Victoria Advocate - Google News Archive Search|website=[Google News](/source/Google_News)}} Eventually forced from office in 1970, Panetta left Washington to work as an executive assistant for [John Lindsay](/source/John_Lindsay), the mayor of New York City. Panetta wrote about his Nixon administration experience in his 1971 book ''Bring Us Together''.{{Cite book|url=https://openlibrary.org/works/OL7097839W/Bring_us_together|title=Bring us together: the Nixon team and the civil rights retreat|last1=Gall|first1=Peter|last2=E|first2=Panetta, Leon|date=1971|publisher=Lippincott|edition=[1st ed.]|location=Philadelphia}} He returned to Monterey to practice law at Panetta, Thompson & Panetta from 1971 to 1976.[http://www.futureofthebook.org/iraqreport/leon-e-panetta/ Study group member profile, Leon Panetta], published by Iraq Study Group, accessed April 28, 2011 ===U.S. House of Representatives=== ====Elections==== thumb|1977 congressional portrait of Panetta Panetta switched to the [Democratic Party](/source/United_States_Democratic_Party) in 1971, citing his belief that the [Republican Party](/source/United_States_Republican_Party) was moving away from the political center.{{Cite web|title=Leon Panetta B.S. '60, J.D. '63|url=http://law.scu.edu/lawyerswholead/leon-panetta.cfm|publisher=Santa Clara University School of Law|work=Lawyers Who Lead|access-date=March 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309162103/http://law.scu.edu/lawyerswholead/leon-panetta.cfm|archive-date=March 9, 2012|df=mdy-all}} In 1976, Panetta was elected to the U.S. Congress to represent California's 16th congressional district, unseating incumbent Republican [Burt Talcott](/source/Burt_Talcott) with 53% of the vote. He would never face another contest nearly that close, and was reelected eight times.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ffBVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R-EDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4701,5851892&dq=leon+panetta&hl=en Opinion column, Democrats See Potential Gains], by Matt Pinkus, Congressional Quarterly, published in Eugene Register-Guard, August 23, 1976[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/642327862.html?dids=642327862:642327862&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+04%2C+1976&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Democrats+in+Congress+Keep+Old+Seats%2C+Take+1+From+GOP&pqatl=google Newspaper article, Democrats in Congress Keep Old Seats, Take 1 From GOP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125164218/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/642327862.html?dids=642327862:642327862&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+04%2C+1976&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Democrats+in+Congress+Keep+Old+Seats%2C+Take+1+From+GOP&pqatl=google |date=January 25, 2013 }}, Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1976[https://archive.today/20120711011721/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vkchAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cn8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2332,1373121&dq=leon+panetta&hl=en Newspaper article, State Democrats Gain By One Seat In Congress], by Associated Press, published in [Modesto Bee](/source/Modesto_Bee), November 4, 1976 ====Tenure==== During his time in Congress, Panetta concentrated mostly on budget issues, civil rights, education, healthcare, agriculture, immigration, and environmental protection, particularly preventing oil drilling off the California coast. He wrote the [Hunger Prevention Act](/source/Hunger_Prevention_Act) (Public Law 100–435) of 1988 and the Fair Employment Practices Resolution. He was the author of legislation establishing the [Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary](/source/Monterey_Bay_National_Marine_Sanctuary), and legislation providing Medicare coverage for hospice care. Working with chancellor Barry Munitz, he helped establish [California State University, Monterey Bay](/source/California_State_University%2C_Monterey_Bay) at the former Fort Ord military base. He also attempted to form the Big Sur National Scenic Area with senator [Alan Cranston](/source/Alan_Cranston).{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E48RAAAAIAAJ|title=The Big Sur Coast National Scenic Area Act: hearing before the Subcommittee on Parks, Recreation, and Renewable Resources of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Ninety-sixth Congress, second session, on S. 2551 ... April 24, 1980|first=United States Congress Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Parks, Recreation, and Renewable|last=Resources|date=March 23, 1980|publisher=U.S. G.P.O.|via=Google Books}} The bill would have created a 700,000-acre (280,000-ha) scenic area administered by the [U.S. Forest Service](/source/United_States_Forest_Service). It budgeted $100 million to buy land from private land owners, up to $30 million for easements and management programs, and created a state plan for a zone about {{convert|75|mile}} long and {{convert|5|mile}} wide along the [Big Sur](/source/Big_Sur) coast. The bill was opposed by California senator [S. I. Hayakawa](/source/S._I._Hayakawa), development interests, and Big Sur residents. Local residents mocked the plan as "Panetta's Pave 'n' Save" and raised a fund of more than $100,000 to lobby against the proposal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/28/us/plan-for-big-sur-severely-restricts-development.html|title=Plan for Big Sur Severely Restricts Development|last1=Lindsey|first1=Robert|date=1986|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070724/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/28/us/plan-for-big-sur-severely-restricts-development.html|archive-date=2017-11-17}}{{cite news|last1=Sinclair|first1=Ward|title=Big Sur Coastline Caught Up in a Riptide on Potomac|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1980/10/15/big-sur-coastline-caught-up-in-a-riptide-on-potomac/812d46bf-1b05-42ac-aa91-eae09ac951d6/|access-date=30 March 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|date=15 October 1980}} The legislation was blocked by Hayakawa in the energy committee and did not reach a vote.{{Cite news|url=http://anseladams.com/ansel-adams-the-role-of-the-artist-in-the-environmental-movement/|first1=Robert|last1=Turnage|title=Ansel Adams - The Role of the Artist in the Environmental Movement|date=1980-03-04|work=Ansel Adams Gallery|access-date=2017-10-27|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028042452/http://anseladams.com/ansel-adams-the-role-of-the-artist-in-the-environmental-movement/|archive-date=2017-10-28}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-06-mn-15768-story.html|title=Bill Proposed to Ban New Development in Big Sur Area|last=Stammer|first=LARRY B.|date=1986-03-06|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2017-10-30|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214439/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-03-06/news/mn-15768_1_big-sur-coast|archive-date=2016-12-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigsurgazette.com/issues/020_March_1980.pdf|title=County Local Coastal Plan Lacks Funds|date=February 27, 1980|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207201934/http://bigsurgazette.com/issues/020_March_1980.pdf|page=5|archive-date=2016-02-07|url-status=live|access-date=October 30, 2017}} ====Budget committee==== Panetta was a member of the [House Committee on the Budget](/source/United_States_House_Committee_on_the_Budget) from 1979 to 1989, and its chairman from 1989 to 1993, Panetta played a key role in the 1990 budget summit.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IVgaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yyQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1342,4345059&dq=leon+panetta+budget+summit&hl=en "Budget Summit Opens"], by Tom Raum, Associated Press, published in ''Hendersonville Times-News'', May 16, 1990[https://web.archive.org/web/20120112135107/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/735286652.html?dids=735286652:735286652&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Dec+11%2C+1992&author=Marshall+Ingwerson+Staff+writer+of+The+Christian+Science+Monitor&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor&desc=As+Budget+Chief%2C+Panetta+May+Be+Frugal+Deficit+Foe&pqatl=google "As Budget Chief, Panetta May Be Frugal Deficit Foe"], ''Christian Science Monitor'', December 11, 1992 ====Committee assignments==== His positions included: * Chairman of the [U.S. House Committee on the Budget](/source/U.S._House_Committee_on_the_Budget) * Chairman of the [Agriculture Committee](/source/United_States_House_Committee_on_Agriculture)'s Subcommittee on Domestic Marketing, Consumer Relations, and Nutrition * Chairman of the [Administration Committee](/source/United_States_House_Committee_on_House_Administration)'s Subcommittee on Personnel and Police * Chairman of the [https://web.archive.org/web/20100527161707/https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/leadership/leon-e-panetta.html Task Force on Domestic Hunger] created by the [http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupname?key=United%20States.%20Congress.%20House.%20Select%20Committee%20on%20Hunger U.S. House Select Committee on Hunger] * Vice Chairman of the [https://www.ciclt.net/sn/pol/poc_detail.aspx?P_ID=&ClientCode=nclm&LegComID=19320 Caucus of Vietnam-Era Veterans] in Congress * Member of the [http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED179117&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED179117 President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies]. ===Director of the Office of Management and Budget=== Though elected to a ninth term in 1992, Panetta left the House in early 1993 after president-elect Bill Clinton selected him to serve as director of the [United States Office of Management and Budget](/source/United_States_Office_of_Management_and_Budget). In that role, he developed the budget package that would eventually result in the balanced budget of 1998.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} ===White House chief of staff=== [[File:President Bill Clinton with Anthony Lake and Leon Panetta.jpg|thumb|right|Panetta with [President](/source/President_of_the_United_States) [Bill Clinton](/source/Bill_Clinton) and [Anthony Lake](/source/Anthony_Lake) in October 1994]] In 1994, President Clinton became increasingly concerned about a lack of order and focus in the White House, an issue that stretched from foreign to domestic policy and political matters. Clinton, who had vowed to run a professional operation, asked Panetta to become his new chief of staff, replacing [Mack McLarty](/source/Mack_McLarty). According to author [Nigel Hamilton](/source/Nigel_Hamilton_(author)), "Panetta replaced McLarty for the rest of Clinton's first term—and the rest is history. To be a great leader, a modern president must have a great chief of staff—and in Leon Panetta, Clinton got the enforcer he deserved."{{cite book |title=Bill Clinton: Mastering the Presidency |last=Hamilton |first=Nigel |year=2007 |publisher=PublicAffairs |location=New York |isbn=978-1-58648-516-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/billclintonmaste00hami_0 |url-access=registration }} Panetta was appointed [White House chief of staff](/source/White_House_Chief_of_Staff) on July 17, 1994, and he held that position until January 20, 1997. He was a key negotiator of the 1996 budget, which was another important step toward bringing the budget into balance.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FipDAAAAIBAJ&sjid=y6wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1550,1035400&dq=leon+panetta+budget&hl=en Newspaper column, Clinton Is Winning On Balanced Budget], by Morton Kondracke, Pomeroy-Middleton Daily Sentinel, January 23, 1996[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dblDAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OK8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1096,4601435&dq=leon+panetta+budget&hl=en Newspaper article, Flexibility Shown in Budget Talks], by Associated Press, published in Williamson Daily News, September 17, 1996 ===Director of the CIA=== ====Nomination==== [[File:Barack Obama speaks at the CIA 4-20-09.jpg|thumb|President [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama) speaks to CIA employees at CIA Headquarters in Langley, April 20, 2009.]] On January 5, 2009, President-elect Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Panetta to be [director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency). At the time of his selection, journalists and politicians raised concerns about Panetta's limited experience in intelligence, aside from his two-year service as a [military intelligence](/source/military_intelligence) officer in the 1960s. California Democratic Senator [Dianne Feinstein](/source/Dianne_Feinstein), the chairman of the [Senate Select Committee on Intelligence](/source/Senate_Select_Committee_on_Intelligence), expressed concerns that she was not consulted about the Panetta appointment and stated her belief that "the agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time."{{cite web|url=http://washingtonindependent.com/23827/dianne-feinstein-not-too-pleased-with-panetta-pick |title=Dianne Feinstein Not Too Pleased With Panetta Pick « The Washington Independent |publisher=Washingtonindependent.com |access-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121031858/http://washingtonindependent.com/23827/dianne-feinstein-not-too-pleased-with-panetta-pick |archive-date=November 21, 2010 }} Former CIA officer Ishmael Jones stated that Panetta was a wise choice, because of his close personal connection to the president and lack of exposure to the CIA bureaucracy''.''{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/08/where-loyalty-is-vital/|title=JONES: Where loyalty is vital|date=January 8, 2009|work=[The Washington Times](/source/The_Washington_Times)|access-date=August 21, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDQ3ZmRmNTQyY2ZiNzY5NjIxMzk3NjJkZTNhNGMzNTY |title=Panetta a 'Brave' Choice, Says Former CIA Agent – The Corner – National Review Online |date=January 6, 2009 |publisher=Corner.nationalreview.com |access-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118145103/http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDQ3ZmRmNTQyY2ZiNzY5NjIxMzk3NjJkZTNhNGMzNTY |archive-date=January 18, 2009 }} Also'', [Washington Post](/source/Washington_Post)'' columnist [David Ignatius](/source/David_Ignatius) said that Panetta did have exposure to intelligence operations as director of the OMB and as chief of staff for President [Bill Clinton](/source/Bill_Clinton), where he "sat in on the daily intelligence briefings as chief of staff, and he reviewed the nation's most secret intelligence-collection and covert-action programs in his previous post as director of the Office of Management and Budget".{{cite news |last= Ignatius |first= David |title= A Surprise for Langley |newspaper=The Washington Post |date= January 7, 2009 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/06/AR2009010602826.html |access-date=January 23, 2009}} On February 12, 2009, Panetta was confirmed in the full Senate by voice vote.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jyswk6L_yXx0g3aoXJS8wm6Xj0vQD96ACPMG0 |title=Senate confirms Panetta as CIA director |agency=Associated Press |date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ====Tenure==== upright|left|thumb|Panetta as director of the CIA {{wikisource|Message from the Director: Interrogation Policy and Contracts}} On February 19, 2009, Panetta was sworn in as [director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency) by vice president [Joe Biden](/source/Joe_Biden) before an audience of CIA employees. Panetta reportedly received a "rock star welcome" from his new subordinates.{{cite news| url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/02/19/leon-panetta-gets-a-rock-star-welcome-at-cia-headquarters-2/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Leon Panetta Gets a Rock Star Welcome at CIA Headquarters | date=February 19, 2009}} As CIA director, Panetta traveled extensively to intelligence outposts around the world and worked with international leaders to confront threats of [Islamic extremism](/source/Islamic_extremism) and [Taliban](/source/Taliban). In 2010, working with the Senate Intelligence Committee, he conducted a secret review of the [use of torture by the CIA](/source/use_of_torture_by_the_CIA) ([euphemistically](/source/euphemism) referred to as "[enhanced interrogation techniques](/source/enhanced_interrogation_techniques)") during the [administration of George W. Bush](/source/administration_of_George_W._Bush). The review, which came to be known by 2014 as the [Panetta Review](/source/Panetta_Review), yielded a series of memoranda that, according to ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'', "cast a particularly harsh light" on the Bush-era interrogation program.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/08/us/politics/behind-clash-between-cia-and-congress-a-secret-report-on-interrogations.html|title=Behind Clash Between C.I.A. and Congress, a Secret Report on Interrogations|newspaper=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)|date=March 7, 2014|first=Mark|last=Mazzetti}} The ''Times'' noted: "The effort to write the exhaustive history of the C.I.A.'s detention operations was fraught from the beginning. President Obama officially ended the program during his first week in office in 2009. The intelligence committee announced its intention to take a hard look at the program, but there was little appetite inside the [Obama] White House to accede to the committee's request for all classified C.I.A. cables related to it." The findings of the Panetta Review reportedly aligned with much of what the [Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture](/source/Senate_Intelligence_Committee_report_on_CIA_torture) found in its factual accounting. Both reports were largely seen as an effort in fact-finding and prevention, but not a governmental path towards some possible project of accountability or punishment for past interrogation or torture. Panetta supported the Obama administration's campaign of U.S. [drone strikes in Pakistan](/source/drone_strikes_in_Pakistan), which he identified as the "most effective weapon" against senior al-Qaeda leadership."CIA Pakistan Campaign Is Working, Director Says", Mark Mazzetti and Helene Cooper, ''New York Times'', February 26, 2009, A15{{cite web|last=Gerstein |first=Josh |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/us_world/Panetta_warns_against_politicization.html?extpar=polit |title=CIA Director Panetta Warns Against Politicization |publisher=NBC New York |access-date=August 21, 2010}} Drone strikes increased significantly under Panetta, with as many as fifty suspected al-Qaeda militants being killed in May 2009 alone.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/world/asia/17pstan.html | work=The New York Times | title=25 Militants Are Killed In Attack In Pakistan | date=May 17, 2009 | access-date=March 27, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://securitydata.newamerica.net/drones/pakistan-analysis.html|publisher=New America Foundation|title=Drone Wars Pakistan: Analysis}} As director of the CIA, Panetta oversaw the hunt for terrorist leader [Osama bin Laden](/source/Osama_bin_Laden), and played a key role in [the operation in which bin Laden was killed](/source/Death_of_Osama_bin_Laden) on May 1, 2011.Leon E. Panetta & Jeremy Bash, [https://hbr.org/2016/05/leadership-lessons-from-the-bin-laden-manhunt The Former Head of the CIA on Managing the Hunt for Bin Laden], ''Harvard Business Review'' (May 2, 2016).{{cite web|title= Leon Panetta Biography and Interview |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[American Academy of Achievement](/source/American_Academy_of_Achievement)|url=https://achievement.org/achiever/leon-panetta/#interview}} === Secretary of defense (2011–2013) === right|thumb|Panetta being sworn in as secretary of defense ====Nomination==== On April 28, 2011, President Obama announced the nomination of Panetta as [United States secretary of defense](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense) as a replacement for retiring Secretary [Robert Gates](/source/Robert_Gates). On June 21, 2011, the Senate confirmed Panetta in an unusual 100–0 vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/galleries/pdcl/index.htm |title=U.S. Senate Periodical Press Gallery |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126173242/https://www.senate.gov/galleries/pdcl/index.htm |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |df=mdy }} He was inaugurated on July 1, 2011. ====Tenure==== One of Panetta's first major acts as defense secretary was to jointly certify with the [chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff](/source/chairman_of_the_Joint_Chiefs_of_Staff) that the military was prepared to repeal "[Don't Ask, Don't Tell](/source/Don't_Ask%2C_Don't_Tell)," which triggered final repeal after 60 days. [[File:SecDef in Jerusalem 120801-D-BW835-900 (7691463488).jpg|thumb|The secretary meeting with Israeli President, [Shimon Peres](/source/Shimon_Peres), in 2012. In the background, an [Israeli basalt ash artwork](/source/Visual_arts_in_Israel).]] In August 2011, Panetta publicly warned that deeper cuts in the defense budget risked hollowing out the military and would hamper Pentagon efforts to deal with rising powers such as [China](/source/China), [North Korea](/source/North_Korea), and [Iran](/source/Iran) and he urged Congress not to go beyond the roughly $500 billion in defense cuts required over the next decade under the [debt reduction bill](/source/Budget_Control_Act_of_2011) signed by president [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama). Working with military and civilian leaders at the Department of Defense, Panetta developed a new defense strategy. Funding the United States military, in the face of tightening budget constraints, became an ongoing theme of Panetta's tenure. He also warned that future service members may see changes in retirement benefits, and that the military healthcare system may need reforms, to rein in costs, while also ensuring quality care.Pincus, Walter (October 10, 2011). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/on-pentagon-budget-matters-telling-it-like-it-is/2011/10/09/gIQAGXcTYL_blog.html "On Pentagon budget matters, telling it like it is"]. ''The Washington Post''. [[File:Defense.gov News Photo 120411-D-BW835-023 - Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta stands with Saudi Arabian Minister of Defense Prince Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud as he signs the guest book.jpg|thumb|left|Panetta with [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia)n Minister of Defense Prince [Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud](/source/Salman_bin_Abdulaziz_Al_Saud), Pentagon, April 11, 2012]] [[File:Leon Panetta shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.jpg|thumb|Leon Panetta with [Italian Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Italy) [Mario Monti](/source/Mario_Monti) in [Rome](/source/Rome)]] [[File:Jake Tapper and Leon E. Panetta interview-1 (May 25, 2012).jpg|thumb|Panetta being interviewed by [Jake Tapper](/source/Jake_Tapper), May 2012]] Another major issue during Panetta's tenure as defense secretary was the Obama administration's diplomatic effort to dissuade Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In January 2012, Panetta stated that nuclear weapons development was a "red line" that Iran would not be allowed to cross—and that the United States was keeping all options, including military ones, open to completely prevent it. He said that Iran would not be allowed to block the Straits of Hormuz. In January 2013, shortly before his departure from the defense secretary post, Panetta announced that women would be allowed to enter all combat jobs in the military, citing an assessment phase in which "each branch of service will examine all its jobs and units not currently integrated and then produce a timetable for integrating them."[http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/23/military-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/ "Military to open combat jobs to women"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318185135/http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/23/military-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/ |date=March 18, 2013 }}. CNN. == Other activities == [[File:Leon Panetta speaks at King's College London.jpg|thumb|Panetta giving his farewell speech to Europe at [King's College London](/source/King's_College_London) in January 2013[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/18/leon-panetta-pressure-al-qaida Leon Panetta calls for 'relentless pressure on al-Qaida'], ''The Guardian'', January 18, 2013]] left|thumb|Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta gives the traditional Cambodian thank you from the steps of his aircraft before departing Siem Reap, Cambodia on 16 November 2012. Panetta and his wife Sylvia founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy in December 1997 and served as co-directors there until 2009, when Panetta was appointed CIA director by Barack Obama while he was president. He has since returned to the institute in the role of chairman, while his wife serves as co-chair and CEO, supervising the institute's day-to-day operations. The institute is located at [California State University, Monterey Bay](/source/California_State_University%2C_Monterey_Bay), a campus Panetta was instrumental in creating on the site of the decommissioned [Fort Ord](/source/Fort_Ord) Army base when he was a Congressman. Coincidentally, Panetta was stationed at Fort Ord in the 1960s during his service as an Army intelligence officer. Panetta served on the board of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, as a Distinguished Scholar to the Chancellor of [California State University](/source/California_State_University){{Cite web|url=http://www.panettainstitute.org/institute/leon_panetta.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706122714/http://www.panettainstitute.org/institute/leon_panetta.htm|url-status=dead|title=Panetta Institute – Leon Panetta – retrieved 11/22/2008|archive-date=July 6, 2008}} and as a Presidential Professor at [Santa Clara University](/source/Santa_Clara_University). He was urged to consider running for Governor of California during the recall election in 2003 but declined in part because of the short time available to raise the necessary campaign funds.[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FC7656FF2D1BB01&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Newspaper article, Panetta Doesn't Seek Governorship], San Jose Mercury News, July 20, 2003 Panetta has long been an advocate for the world's oceans. In addition to introducing legislation and winning passage of ocean protections measures such as the [http://www.nmsfocean.org/ Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040622083643/http://www.nmsfocean.org/ |date=June 22, 2004 }} during his time in Congress,{{cite web|url=http://www.jointoceancommission.org/cgi-bin/bios.cgi?panetta |title=Joint Ocean Commission Initiative – Panetta bio |publisher=Jointoceancommission.org |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111122028/http://www.jointoceancommission.org/cgi-bin/bios.cgi?panetta |archive-date=January 11, 2012 }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.oceanleadership.org/about/board/Panetta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705031457/http://www.oceanleadership.org/about/board/Panetta|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2008|title=HON. LEON E. PANETTA | Ocean Leadership|date=July 5, 2008}} he was named chairman in 2003 of the [Pew Oceans Commission](/source/Pew_Oceans_Commission), which in 2005 combined with the [U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy](/source/United_States_Commission_on_Ocean_Policy) to establish the [Joint Ocean Commission Initiative](/source/Joint_Ocean_Commission_Initiative). Panetta co-chaired the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative from 2005 to 2010 and continues to serve as a commission member.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2025 |title=Leadership Council |url=https://jointoceancommission.org/team-member/the-honorable-leon-e-panetta/ |access-date=August 13, 2025 |website=Joint Ocean Commission Initiative}} He presently co-chairs the [National Marine Sanctuary Foundation](/source/National_Marine_Sanctuary_Foundation).{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2025 |title=Team & Board |url=https://montereybayfoundation.org/staff-board/ |access-date=August 13, 2025 |website=Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation}} In 2006, Panetta was part of the presidentially-appointed [Iraq Study Group](/source/Iraq_Study_Group), or Baker Commission, which studied potential changes in U.S. policy in Iraq.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1806441.htm |title=Iraq Survey Group Report Released |first1=Kim |last1=Landers |work=The World Today |publisher=ABC (Australia) |date=December 7, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126154100/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1806441.htm |archive-date=November 26, 2020}}"[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/world/americas/03iht-baker.3760142.html Iraq Study Group to present report to Bush - Americas - International Herald Tribune]", by Brian Knowlton, ''New York Times'', December 3, 2006. [[File:DNC 2016 -Leon Panetta.jpeg|thumb|Panetta speaks at the [2016 Democratic National Convention](/source/2016_Democratic_National_Convention), July 27, 2016.]] [[File:191207-D-BN624-0159 (49185332058).jpg|thumb|Panetta with [Defense Secretary](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense) [Mark Esper](/source/Mark_Esper) on December 7, 2019]] In 2014, Panetta published his memoir ''Worthy Fights'', in which he recounted his long career in public service. While overwhelmingly positive in his assessment of the [Obama presidency](/source/Presidency_of_Barack_Obama), Panetta aired some disagreements in the book with the President's [policies in Syria and Iraq](/source/United_States_foreign_policy_in_the_Middle_East). The ''New York Post'' said: "By failing to persuade Iraq's leader to allow a continuing force of US troops, the commander in chief 'created a vacuum . . . and it's out of that vacuum that [ISIS](/source/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant) began to breed,' Panetta said."{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2014/10/07/former-cia-director-obama-lost-his-way-on-national-security/ |title=Former CIA Director: Obama 'lost his way' on national security |website=[New York Post](/source/New_York_Post) |date=October 7, 2014 |first1=Geoff |last1=Earle }} == Later career (2013–present) == Panetta was a speaker on the third day of the [2016 Democratic National Convention](/source/2016_Democratic_National_Convention) in which [Hillary Clinton](/source/Hillary_Clinton) was nominated to run as the Democratic candidate in the [presidential election](/source/2016_United_States_presidential_election) that year. His speech was booed by antiwar supporters of [Bernie Sanders](/source/Bernie_Sanders) who protested his war record.{{Cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/leon-panetta-dnc-speech-trump-000000047.html|title=Leon Panetta scorches Trump at DNC, as crowd boos and chants, 'No more war!'|access-date=2016-12-30}} Panetta told [CBS News](/source/CBS_News) that Congress releasing the [Nunes Memo](/source/Nunes_Memo), which purported to provide intelligence about the open Russia probe, could cause damage to national security.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/leon-panetta-transcript-cbs-news-interview-gop-memo-release/ |title=Transcript: Former CIA Director Leon Panetta discusses GOP memo release |publisher=[CBS News](/source/CBS_News) |date=February 2, 2018 }} In October 2020, [Panetta and a group of 50 other former senior intelligence officials signed a letter](/source/Public_Statement_on_the_Hunter_Biden_Emails) stating the [Hunter Biden laptop controversy](/source/Hunter_Biden_laptop_controversy) had “all the classic earmarks of a Russian disinformation operation" because it contained potentially damaging information to the Biden campaign.{{cite news|title=Hunter Biden story is Russian disinfo, dozens of former intel officials say|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/19/hunter-biden-story-russian-disinfo-430276|date=October 19, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020034222/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/19/hunter-biden-story-russian-disinfo-430276|url-status=dead}} However, in 2022, several media outlets, including ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'' and ''[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)'', confirmed the laptop's authenticity.{{cite news |title=The New York Times's 'Late Breaking News' on Hunter Biden|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hunter-biden-laptop-scandal-corruption-new-york-times-post-media-bias-2020-11648076107|date=March 24, 2022}} Panetta compared the [fall of Kabul](/source/Fall_of_Kabul_(2021)) to the [Taliban](/source/Taliban) in August 2021 to the failed [Bay of Pigs Invasion](/source/Bay_of_Pigs_Invasion) of Cuba in 1961, saying that "President Kennedy took responsibility for what took place. I strongly recommend to President Biden that he take responsibility . . . admit the mistakes that were made."{{cite news |title=Leon Panetta compares fall of Afghanistan to Bay of Pigs |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/568028-leon-panetta-compares-fall-of-afghanistan-to-bay-of-pigs |work=The Hill |date=16 August 2021}} Panetta, one of ten living former secretaries of defense, published a ''Washington Post'' op-ed piece in January 2021 telling President Trump not to involve the military in determining the outcome of the 2020 elections.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/former-defense-secretaries-rebuke-trump-election/2021/01/03/1c708f64-4de5-11eb-b2e8-3339e73d9da2_story.html|title=All 10 living former defense secretaries: Involving the military in election disputes would cross into dangerous territory|access-date=January 3, 2021|date=January 3, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US}} In October 2022, Panetta joined the Council for Responsible Social Media project launched by [Issue One](/source/Issue_One) to address the negative mental, civic, and public health impacts of [social media](/source/social_media) in the United States, cochaired by former [House Democratic Caucus](/source/House_Democratic_Caucus) leader [Dick Gephardt](/source/Dick_Gephardt) and former [Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor](/source/Lieutenant_Governor_of_Massachusetts) [Kerry Healey](/source/Kerry_Healey).{{cite news|last=Feiner|first=Lauren|date=October 12, 2022|title=Facebook whistleblower, former defense and intel officials form group to fix social media |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/12/council-for-responsible-social-media-features-haugen-gephardt-hagel-.html|access-date=October 12, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Council for Responsible Social Media |publisher=Issue One |url=https://issueone.org/projects/council-for-responsible-social-media/|access-date=October 12, 2022}} In August 2024, Panetta was a speaker on the fourth day of the [Democratic National Convention](/source/2024_Democratic_National_Convention).{{Cite web |date=2024-08-22 |title=Here's the schedule for the DNC's fourth and final night leading up to Harris' acceptance speech |url=https://apnews.com/article/schedule-dnc-thursday-fourth-night-8ad2d1a093f851d909acb5f3e0451d27 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wetli |first=Patty |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Thursday DNC Speaker List: Kamala Harris Takes Center Stage, Pink and the Chicks to Perform |url=https://news.wttw.com/2024/08/22/thursday-dnc-speaker-list-kamala-harris-takes-center-stage-pink-and-chicks-perform |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823015830/https://news.wttw.com/2024/08/22/thursday-dnc-speaker-list-kamala-harris-takes-center-stage-pink-and-chicks-perform |archive-date=August 23, 2024}} In September 2024, Panetta referred to [Israel's pager attack in Lebanon](/source/2024_Lebanon_pager_explosions) as an act of terrorism.{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4893900-leon-panetta-lebanon-explosions-terrorism/|title=Ex-CIA chief: Pager blasts in Lebanon are 'terrorism'|last=Fields|first=Ashleigh|work=[The Hill](/source/The_Hill_(newspaper))|date=September 23, 2024|accessdate=September 24, 2024}} ===Responsibilities=== {{Update|section|date=February 2017}} Panetta has held positions within a number of institutions and corporations, including: * [Joint Ocean Commission Initiative](/source/Joint_Ocean_Commission_Initiative), Commissioner and Co-Chair{{Cite web|url=http://archive2.globalsolutions.org/publications/interview_leon_panetta_joint_ocean_commission_initiative|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724123637/http://archive2.globalsolutions.org/publications/interview_leon_panetta_joint_ocean_commission_initiative|url-status=dead|title=INTERVIEW: Leon Panetta, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative | Global Solutions|archive-date=July 24, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jointoceancommission.org/commissioners.html |title=Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Commissioners |publisher=Jointoceancommission.org |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111180328/http://www.jointoceancommission.org/commissioners.html |archive-date=January 11, 2012 }} * Pew Oceans Commission, Commissioner and Chairman{{cite web|url=http://www.pewoceans.org/commissioners/ |title=Pew Oceans Commission |publisher=Pew Oceans Commission |access-date=December 20, 2011}} * [Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget](/source/Committee_for_a_Responsible_Federal_Budget), Co-Chair[http://www.crfb.org/board-members Board Members. Retrieved July 5, 2019.] * [Bread for the World](/source/Bread_for_the_World), Board of Directors * National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Board of Directors[http://www.nmsfocean.org/bio/leon_paneta.htm NMSF ~~ Board of Directors ~ Ex-Officio Members ~ Jeffery Mora ~~] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040619220656/http://www.nmsfocean.org/bio/leon_paneta.htm |date=June 19, 2004 }}) * [National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management](/source/National_Leadership_Roundtable_on_Church_Management), Board of Directors (2004–2009) * [New York Stock Exchange](/source/New_York_Stock_Exchange), ** Co-chairman of the Corporate Accountability and Listing Standards Committee ** Board of Directors (1997–present) * [Close Up Foundation](/source/Close_Up_Foundation), Board of Directors (1999–present) * Connetics Investor Relations, Board of Directors (2000–present){{cite web|url=http://www.connetics.com/2002/about/leadership.html |title=Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. | Home |publisher=Connetics.com |access-date=December 20, 2011}} * [Fleishman-Hillard](/source/FleishmanHillard){{cite web |url=http://www.fleishman.com/capabilities/practice_groups/cca.html |title= Fleishman-Hillard|website=www.fleishman.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606062537/http://www.fleishman.com/capabilities/practice_groups/cca.html |archive-date=June 6, 2004}} ** Co-chairman of the Corporate Accountability and Listing Standards Committee ** Co-chairman of the Corporate Credibility Advisory practice ** Member of the International Advisory Board * [Junior Statesmen Foundation](/source/Junior_State_of_America) Inc., Trustee (2004) * [Public Policy Institute of California](/source/Public_Policy_Institute_of_California), Board of Directors{{cite web|url=http://www.ppic.org/main/bio.asp?i=383 |title=Leon E. Panetta |publisher=Ppic.org |access-date=December 20, 2011}} * [Blue Shield of California](/source/Blue_Shield_of_California), Board of Directors (2013–present){{Cite press release |date=June 9, 2020|title=Blue Shield of California's Board of Directors Issues Statement on Racism and Injustice; Company Announces 'Day of Unity' Offered to All Blue Shield of California Employees|url=https://news.blueshieldca.com/2020/06/09/blue-shield-of-california-s-board-of-directors-issues-statement-on-racism-and-injustice-company-announces-day-of-unity-offered-to-all-blue-shield-of-california-employees|access-date=2021-04-24 |publisher=Blue Shield of California {{!}} News Center|language=en-us}} * [Oracle Corporation](/source/Oracle_Corporation), Board of Directors (2015–present){{Cite web|url=https://www.oracle.com/corporate/executives/leon-panetta.html|title=Leon Panetta {{!}} Executive Biography |publisher=[Oracle Corporation](/source/Oracle_Corporation) |language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-12}} *[https://techdiplomacy.org/ Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue], Global Advisory Board (2021–present){{Cite press release|date=2021-12-02|title=Leon Panetta, Former Defense Secretary and CIA Director, Joins Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue Advisory Board|url=https://techdiplomacy.org/2021/12/02/leon-panetta-former-defense-secretary-and-cia-director-joins-center-for-tech-diplomacy-at-purdue-advisory-board/|access-date=2022-01-01|publisher=Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue|language=en-US|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101114858/https://techdiplomacy.org/2021/12/02/leon-panetta-former-defense-secretary-and-cia-director-joins-center-for-tech-diplomacy-at-purdue-advisory-board/|url-status=dead}} In June 2002, the [U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops](/source/U.S._Conference_of_Catholic_Bishops) appointed Panetta to their National Review Board,{{cite press release |url=http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2002/02-163.shtml |title=Membership of National Review Board Completed |publisher=[U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops](/source/U.S._Conference_of_Catholic_Bishops)|date=August 23, 2002 |access-date=August 21, 2010}} which was created to look into the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandal. This created controversy because of Panetta's pro-choice stance on abortion and other views seen as conflicting with those of the church. * [Beacon Global Strategies](/source/Beacon_Global_Strategies), Senior Counselor (May 2014 – present){{Cite web|url=https://bgsdc.com/team_member/leon-panetta/|title=Beacon Global Strategies }} Panetta is also a member of the [Partnership for a Secure America](/source/Partnership_for_a_Secure_America)'s bipartisan advisory board. The Partnership is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that promotes bipartisan solutions to national security and foreign policy issues. Panetta serves on the Advisory Board of the Committee to Investigate Russia.{{cite web | title = Committee to Investigate Russia: Advisory Board | url = https://investigaterussia.org/advisory-board | publisher = Committee to Investigate Russia | access-date = February 10, 2018}} ==Personal life== Panetta is Catholic.{{cite web|url=https://forward.com/news/139630/leon-panetta-a-defense-secretary-with-a-long-histo/|title=Leon Panetta, a Defense Secretary With a Long History of Cooperation with Israel|date=11 July 2011|accessdate=4 November 2024|author=Guttman, Nathan|work=Forward}}{{cite web|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/content/dispatches/long-slow-work-change-former-secretary-defense-leon-panetta-laudato-si|title=The Long Slow Work of Change: Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on 'Laudato Si'|date=6 July 2015|accessdate=4 November 2024|author=McDermott, Jim|work=America Magazine}} He is married to Sylvia Marie Varni, who administered his home district offices during his terms in Congress.O'Shea, Jennifer (January 8, 2009), [https://www.usnews.com/news/obama/articles/2009/01/08/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-leon-panetta "10 Things You Didn't Know about Leon Panetta"], ''U.S. News & World Report''Doyle, Michael (April 27, 2011), [http://www.modbee.com/2011/04/27/1663693/panetta-will-bring-a-lifetime.html "Panetta will Bring a Lifetime of Service to the Pentagon"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505010221/http://www.modbee.com/2011/04/27/1663693/panetta-will-bring-a-lifetime.html |date=May 5, 2011 }}, ''Modesto Bee'', McClatchy Newspapers They live on his family's {{convert|12|acre|adj=on}} walnut farm in [Carmel Valley](/source/Carmel_Valley%2C_California), California. They have three sons and six grandchildren.{{cite web|url=http://www.nccbuscc.org/comm/panetta.shtml |title=Hon. Leon E. Panetta |access-date=2007-09-27 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927012721/http://www.nccbuscc.org/comm/panetta.shtml |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |df=mdy }}, [U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops](/source/U.S._Conference_of_Catholic_Bishops) In 2016, their third son, [Jimmy Panetta](/source/Jimmy_Panetta), a former Monterey County Deputy District Attorney, won election to his father's old congressional seat, now numbered as the {{ushr|CA|19|19th District}}. ==Awards== * 1966: [Army Commendation Medal](/source/Commendation_Medal) * 1969: [Abraham Lincoln](/source/Abraham_Lincoln) Award, [National Education Association](/source/National_Education_Association) * 1983: Foreign Language Advocate Award, Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.{{cite web|title=The James W. Dodge Foreign Language Advocate Award |url=http://www.nectfl.org/awards-james-w-dodge-foreign-language-advocate-award |publisher=Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages |access-date=August 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821193635/http://www.nectfl.org/awards-james-w-dodge-foreign-language-advocate-award |archive-date=August 21, 2014 }} * 1983: Ralph B. Atkinson Award for Civil Liberties, Monterey County Chapter of the ACLU{{cite web |last1=Cimini |first1=Kate |title=The Salinas Californian |url=https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2018/10/21/aclu-awards-blanca-zarazua-immigrant-advocacy-monterey-county/1689699002/ |access-date=14 November 2021}} * 1984: [A. Philip Randolph](/source/A._Philip_Randolph) Award * 1988: Golden Plow Award, [American Farm Bureau Federation](/source/American_Farm_Bureau_Federation){{cite web | url=http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=legislative.gp | title=AFBF Golden Plow Award | publisher=[American Farm Bureau Federation](/source/American_Farm_Bureau_Federation) | access-date=March 8, 2012 | archive-date=March 31, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331011531/http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=legislative.gp | url-status=dead }} * 1991: President's Award, [American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages](/source/American_Council_on_the_Teaching_of_Foreign_Languages) * 1991: Coastal and Ocean Management Award, Coastal Zone Foundation * 1993: [Peter Burnett](/source/Peter_Hardeman_Burnett) Award for Distinguished Public Service * 1995: Distinguished Public Service Medal, Center for the Study of the Presidency * 1997: Special Achievement Award for Public Service, [National Italian American Foundation](/source/National_Italian_American_Foundation) * 2001: [John H. Chafee](/source/John_Chafee) Coastal Stewardship Award, Coastal America * 2002: Law Alumni Special Achievement Award, Santa Clara University School of Law Alumni Association{{cite web |url=http://law.scu.edu/alumni/achievement-award.cfm |title=Law Alumni Special Achievement Award |publisher=Santa Clara (U.) Law School |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522101940/http://law.scu.edu/alumni/achievement-award.cfm |archive-date=May 22, 2011 }} * 2003: [Julius A. Stratton](/source/Julius_Adams_Stratton) "Champion of the Coast" Award for Coastal Leadership * 2005: Received an honorary Doctorate from [University of Wisconsin–Parkside](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Parkside) * 2005: Received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from [Northeastern University](/source/Northeastern_University){{cite web |url=http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/511446/ |title=Speakers for 103rd Commencement |publisher=Newswise.com |date=April 29, 2005 |access-date=August 21, 2010}} * 2006: [Paul Peck](/source/Paul_Peck) Award * 2012: Intrepid Freedom Award, [Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum](/source/Intrepid_Sea%2C_Air_%26_Space_Museum){{cite web |title=Panetta Accepts Intrepid Freedom Award |url=http://www.fisherhouse.org/news-media/articles/panetta-accepts-intrepid-freedom-award/ |access-date=28 September 2017 |date=24 May 2012}} * 2012: Golden Plate Award, [American Academy of Achievement](/source/Academy_of_Achievement){{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[American Academy of Achievement](/source/American_Academy_of_Achievement)|url= https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service}} * 2014: Excellence in Policy, [Peter Benchley Ocean Awards](/source/Peter_Benchley){{cite web|title=Secretary Leon Panetta {{!}} Peter Benchley Ocean Awards|url=http://peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/honorees/2014/leon-panetta|access-date=28 September 2017}} * 2015: [Dwight D. Eisenhower](/source/Dwight_D._Eisenhower) Award, [National Defense Industrial Association](/source/National_Defense_Industrial_Association){{cite web |title=Leon Panetta to receive Dwight D. Eisenhower Award |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2015/04/14/leon-panetta-receive-dwight-eisenhower-award/25791631/ |website=USA TODAY |access-date=28 September 2017|language=en|format=14 April 2015}} * 2018: [Sylvanus Thayer Award](/source/Sylvanus_Thayer_Award) from the [United States Military Academy](/source/United_States_Military_Academy) * 2019: 55px|ribbon bar [Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun](/source/Order_of_the_Rising_Sun) * 2023: Prize For American-Italian Relations, [Center for American Studies (Rome)](/source/Center_for_American_Studies_(Rome)){{cite web|title="Le nuove frontiere della democrazia", dibattito con Giuliano Amato e Leon Panetta|url=https://centrostudiamericani.org/amato-panetta-democrazia/|publisher=Centro Studi Americani |access-date=October 14, 2023}} * 2024: Inducted into the [California Hall of Fame](/source/California_Hall_of_Fame){{Cite web|url=https://californiamuseum.org/california-hall-of-fame/17th-annual-california-hall-of-fame-california-museum/|title=17th Annual California Hall of Fame|work=California Museum|access-date=August 21, 2024|archive-date=August 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821015235/https://californiamuseum.org/california-hall-of-fame/17th-annual-california-hall-of-fame-california-museum/|url-status=dead}} == Books== * {{cite book |last=Panetta |first=Leon |year=2014 |title=Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace |publisher=Penguin Press HC |isbn=978-1594205965 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1rbaCwAAQBAJ }} == In popular culture == Panetta was portrayed by [James Gandolfini](/source/James_Gandolfini) in the film ''[Zero Dark Thirty](/source/Zero_Dark_Thirty)'' (2012). ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==Further reading== * {{cite news|title=The Defense Secretary: An interview with Leon Panetta|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57367997/the-defense-secretary-an-interview-with-leon-panetta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130045446/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57367997/the-defense-secretary-an-interview-with-leon-panetta/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |date=January 29, 2012|publisher=[CBS News](/source/CBS_News)}} * {{cite book |last1=Clinton |first1=Bill |author-link=Bill Clinton |title=My Life |title-link=My Life (Clinton autobiography) |date=2004 |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |location=New York |isbn=978-0375414572}} * {{cite book |last1=Harris |first1=John F. |author-link=John F. Harris |title=The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House |date=2005 |publisher=Random House |location=New York |isbn=978-0375508479}} * {{cite book |last1=Whipple |first1=Chris |title=The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future |date=2020 |publisher=Scribner |location=New York |isbn=978-1982106409}} * {{cite book |last1=Woodward |first1=Bob |author-link=Bob Woodward |title=[Obama's Wars](/source/Obama's_Wars) |date=2010 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York |isbn=978-1439172490}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://www.war.gov/About/Biographies/Article/602799/leon-e-panetta/ Department of Defense biography] * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527161707/https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/leadership/leon-e-panetta.html |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Biography of the Central Intelligence Agency }} * {{CongLinks | congbio=P000047 | votesmart=1515 | fec= | congress=leon-panetta/P000047 }} * [http://old-www.hartnell.edu/president/panetta Biography of Panetta, Hartnell University] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108015118/http://old-www.hartnell.edu/president/panetta |date=January 8, 2016 }} * [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Leon_E._Panetta Profile] at [SourceWatch](/source/SourceWatch) * {{YouTube|7Zapwqa8lME|Conversations with History – Interview with Leon Panetta, UC Berkeley Institute of International Studies }} * [http://www.panettainstitute.org/ The Panetta Institute for Public Policy] * {{C-SPAN|2493}} {{s-start}} {{s-par|us-hs}} {{s-bef|before=[Burt Talcott](/source/Burt_Talcott)}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the [U.S. House of Representatives](/source/List_of_United_States_representatives_from_California)
from [California's 16th congressional district](/source/California's_16th_congressional_district)|years=1977–1993}} {{s-aft|after=[Don Edwards](/source/Don_Edwards)}} |- {{s-bef|before=[Cal Dooley](/source/Cal_Dooley)}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the [U.S. House of Representatives](/source/List_of_United_States_representatives_from_California)
from [California's 17th congressional district](/source/California's_17th_congressional_district)|years=1993}} {{s-aft|after=[Sam Farr](/source/Sam_Farr)}} |- {{s-bef|before=[Bill Gray](/source/William_H._Gray_(Pennsylvania_politician))}} {{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [House Budget Committee](/source/United_States_House_Committee_on_the_Budget)|years=1989–1993}} {{s-aft|after=[Martin Sabo](/source/Martin_Olav_Sabo)}} |- {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=[Richard Darman](/source/Richard_Darman)}} {{s-ttl|title=Director of the [Office of Management and Budget](/source/Office_of_Management_and_Budget)|years=1993–1994}} {{s-aft|after=[Alice Rivlin](/source/Alice_Rivlin)}} |- {{s-bef|before=[Mack McLarty](/source/Mack_McLarty)}} {{s-ttl|title=[White House Chief of Staff](/source/White_House_Chief_of_Staff)|years=1994–1997}} {{s-aft|after=[Erskine Bowles](/source/Erskine_Bowles)}} |- {{s-bef|before=[Robert Gates](/source/Robert_Gates)}} {{s-ttl|title=[United States Secretary of Defense](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense)|years=2011–2013}} {{s-aft|after=[Chuck Hagel](/source/Chuck_Hagel)}} |- {{s-gov}} {{s-bef|before=[Michael Hayden](/source/Michael_Hayden_(general))}} {{s-ttl|title=[Director of the Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Director_of_the_Central_Intelligence_Agency)|years=2009–2011}} {{s-aft|after=[Michael Morell](/source/Michael_Morell)
Acting}} |- {{s-prec|usa}} {{s-bef|before=[Kathleen Sebelius](/source/Kathleen_Sebelius)|as=Former U.S. Cabinet Member}} {{s-ttl|title=[Order of precedence of the United States](/source/United_States_order_of_precedence)
''{{small|as Former U.S. Cabinet Member}}''|years=}} {{s-aft|after=[Chuck Hagel](/source/Chuck_Hagel)|as=Former U.S. Cabinet Member}} {{s-end}} {{Navboxes |list1= {{US House Budget chairs}} {{USSecDef}} {{DCIA}} {{WHCOS}} {{OMB}} {{Obama cabinet}} {{Clinton cabinet}} {{ISG}} {{War on Terror}} {{United States representatives from California 11-30}} {{USCongRep-start |congresses=98th–103rd [United States Congress](/source/United_States_Congress) |state=[California](/source/California's_congressional_delegations)}} {{USCongRep/CA/98}} {{USCongRep/CA/99}} {{USCongRep/CA/100}} {{USCongRep/CA/101}} {{USCongRep/CA/102}} {{USCongRep/CA/103}} {{USCongRep-end}} }} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Panetta, Leon}} Category:1938 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century United States representatives Category:20th-century Roman Catholics Category:21st-century American male writers Category:21st-century American memoirists Category:21st-century United States government officials Category:21st-century Roman Catholics Category:American male non-fiction writers Category:American Roman Catholic writers Category:American writers of Italian descent Category:Atlantic Council Category:California lawyers Category:California Republicans Category:Catholic politicians from California Category:Clinton administration cabinet members Category:Democratic Party United States representatives from California Category:Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency Category:Directors of the Office of Management and Budget Category:Grand Cordons of the Order of the Rising Sun Category:Members of the United States Congress who became lobbyists Category:Monterey High School (Monterey, California) alumni Category:Obama administration cabinet members Category:Obama administration personnel Category:People from Carmel Valley, California Category:Politicians from Monterey, California Category:Santa Clara University School of Law alumni Category:United States Army officers Category:United States secretaries of defense Category:White House chiefs of staff Category:Writers from California Category:California State University, Monterey Bay, faculty --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Leon Panetta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Panetta) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Panetta?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.