Henry Kissinger, secretary of state to Richard Nixon, dies at 100

Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has passed away at the age of 100.

Kissinger passed away yesterday (29 November) at his home in Connecticut, his death confirmed via Kissinger Associates Inc.

The 100-year-old served as Secretary of State as well as National Security Advisor under both former President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford.

No cause of death has been publicly released.

Getty Images/ Thomas Peter/ Pool

Kissinger was born in Germany, but fled the country with his family in 1938 at the age of 15 years old.

He joined the Army, later becoming a CIC Special Agent and was later assigned to teach at the European Command Intelligence School.

His political career began later on in the 60s, with Kissinger becoming a foreign policy advisor to Nelson Rockefeller, before meeting Richard Nixon.

Getty Images/ Benjamin E. 'Gene' Forte/CNP

Kissinger went on to be appointed National Security Advisor shortly after Nixon began his presidency. He later added Secretary of State to his belt, continuing the role when Ford took over.

Kissinger is most recognized for his role in the Vietnam war, honored with a Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his work in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords' ceasefires.

However, he was widely criticized for the fall of Saigon to North Vietnamese forces in 1975. Public opinion towards him remains massively conflicted, with many accusing him of war crimes for the US' secret bombing of Cambodia.

In 2022, Kissinger was asked by ABC whether he regretted any of his choices.

Kissinger, as quoted by the BBC, said: "I've been thinking about these problems all my life. It's my hobby as well as my occupation. And so the recommendations I made were the best of which I was then capable."

Getty Images/ Benjamin E. 'Gene' Forte/CNP/

Former President George W. Bush released a statement in acknowledgement of Kissinger's passing.

The press release, posted online on 29 November, reads: "America has lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs with the passing of Henry Kissinger. I have long admired the man who fled the Nazis as a young boy from a Jewish family, then fought them in the United States Army.

"When he later became Secretary of State, his appointment as a former refugee said as much about his greatness as it did America’s greatness. He worked in the Administrations of two Presidents and counseled many more.

"I am grateful for that service and advice, but I am most grateful for his friendship. Laura and I will miss his wisdom, his charm, and his humor. And we will always be thankful for the contributions of Henry Kissinger."

The politician leaves behind wife Nancy and children David and Elizabeth.