About
Leon Panetta is an American retired politician and government official with a long and distinguished career in public service. He has served under multiple Democratic administrations in various high-profile roles. His positions include Secretary of Defense, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), White House Chief of Staff, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Panetta also represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives for several terms. His extensive experience across different branches and levels of government makes him a significant figure in modern American political history.
Career Timeline
U.S. Representative
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, beginning his congressional career.
OMB Director
Appointed Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton.
White House Chief of Staff
Becomes White House Chief of Staff, a powerful position in the Clinton administration.
CIA Director
Appointed Director of the Central Intelligence Agency under President Obama.
Secretary of Defense
Becomes Secretary of Defense, overseeing U.S. military operations worldwide.
Retires from Government
Retires from government service, transitioning to advisory and academic roles.
Author and Commentator
Remains active as an author, speaker, and commentator on national security issues.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 25, 2026