Date of Birth: June 14, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: October 16, 2004
Biography
Pierre Emil George Salinger was an influential American public servant, journalist, and author, best known for his role as Press Secretary to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Born into a French-American family in San Francisco, Pierre’s early life was marked by a strong interest in journalism and public service. He attended San Francisco State College but left to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he completed his education at the University of San Francisco. Salinger began his journalism career at the San Francisco Chronicle before moving to Washington, D.C., where he joined the staff of Senator John F. Kennedy. When Kennedy won the presidency in 1960, Salinger was appointed as the White House Press Secretary, gaining a reputation for his candid and accessible style. He played a crucial role during the Cuban Missile Crisis, handling the press during one of the most tense periods in American history. Following his tenure in the White House, Salinger ran for the U.S. Senate in California in 1964 but was unsuccessful. He then turned to a career in television journalism, working as a correspondent for ABC News. His investigative reporting and insightful analyses earned him several awards. Later in life, Salinger moved to France, where he continued to write and occasionally comment on American politics.
5 Interesting Facts about Pierre Salinger
1. Pierre Salinger was awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government in recognition of his contributions to journalism and public service.
2. He served as the campaign manager for Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 presidential campaign until Kennedy’s assassination.
3. Salinger was known for his love of cigars and often held press briefings with a cigar in hand.
4. After moving to France, he became a vocal critic of American foreign policy, particularly the Iraq War.
5. He authored several books, including his memoir “With Kennedy” and a novel titled “On Instructions of My Government.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pierre Salinger
1. “The American people have a right to know what’s going on in their country.”
2. “Journalism is the first rough draft of history.”
3. “I was one of the first reporters to recognize the importance of the television medium.”
4. “The truth is more important than the news.”
5. “A free press is one of the pillars of democracy.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Pierre Salinger’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Pierre Salinger had three children: Stephen Salinger, Gregory Salinger, and Christabel Salinger.
Relevant Links
1. [Pierre Salinger – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Salinger
5. [Interview with Pierre Salinger – C-SPAN](https://www.c-span.org/person/?pierresalinger
