Michael Chertoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Chertoff
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Official portrait, 2022
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| 2nd United States Secretary of Homeland Security | |
| In office February 15, 2005 – January 21, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | James Loy (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Janet Napolitano |
| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit | |
| In office June 10, 2003 – February 15, 2005 |
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| Appointed by | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Morton Ira Greenberg |
| Succeeded by | Michael Chagares |
| United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division | |
| In office January 20, 2001 – June 10, 2003 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | James Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Christopher A. Wray |
| United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey | |
| In office 1990–1994 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Samuel Alito |
| Succeeded by | Faith S. Hochberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 28, 1953 Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Meryl Justin
(m. 1988) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Harvard University (BA, JD) London School of Economics |
Michael Chertoff (born November 28, 1953) is an American lawyer. He served as the second United States Secretary of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush. He also worked for one day under President Barack Obama. Chertoff helped write the USA PATRIOT Act. Before this, he was a federal judge and a prosecutor. He also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney General. He became Secretary of Homeland Security on February 15, 2005.
After leaving government, he started a company called the Chertoff Group. This company helps with risk management and security. He also works as a senior lawyer at a law firm in Washington, D.C.. He is involved with Freedom House, which works to protect freedom around the world. He also serves on a board that supports democracy.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Chertoff was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His father, Gershon Baruch Chertoff, was a rabbi. His mother, Livia Chertoff, was from Poland and was the first flight attendant for El Al, an airline.
Chertoff went to the Jewish Educational Center and the Pingry School. He then studied at Harvard College, earning a degree in 1975. During his studies, he also spent time at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He later went to Harvard Law School. He earned his law degree in 1978.
Career in Law and Government
After law school, Chertoff worked for two judges. He was a law clerk for Judge Murray Gurfein. Later, he worked for United States Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr..
From 1980 to 1983, Chertoff worked at a private law firm. Then, he became a prosecutor in New York. He worked on cases involving organized crime and political corruption. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush made him the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He prosecuted important cases, including one against the mayor of Jersey City.
In 1993, the Clinton administration asked him to stay in his role. He was the only U.S. Attorney who kept his job during this change. He worked in this office until 1994. He then returned to private law practice.
Chertoff also worked as a special lawyer for a Senate committee. This committee looked into claims against President Clinton. No charges were brought against the Clintons.
In 2000, he advised George W. Bush's presidential campaign. He helped with issues related to criminal justice.
Leading the Justice Department
President Bush appointed Chertoff to lead the criminal division of the Justice Department. He served from 2001 to 2003. He was a senior official at the FBI command center right after the September 11 attacks. He led the case against a suspected terrorist named Zacarias Moussaoui.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On March 5, 2003, President Bush nominated Chertoff to be a judge. He was to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The Senate approved him on June 9, 2003. He served as a federal judge from 2003 to 2005.
Secretary of Homeland Security
In January 2005, President Bush nominated Chertoff to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. This role involves protecting the country from threats. The United States Senate approved him on February 15, 2005.
During his time as Secretary, Hurricane Katrina hit. The Department of Homeland Security faced criticism. People said it was not ready for the storm. They also said it responded poorly to the disaster.
Chertoff worked on a plan for immigration reform. This plan did not pass in the Senate.
He stayed in his role for one day after President Obama took office. This was to help with a smooth change in leadership.
Building Border Fences
Under Chertoff, the Department of Homeland Security built many miles of fences. These fences were along the border between the United States and Mexico. In 2008, Chertoff allowed the department to skip some environmental reviews. This was to build the fences faster. This action was controversial. Critics said it ignored laws protecting the environment and wildlife.
Actions on Immigration
In 2007, Chertoff stated that his department would not allow "sanctuary cities" to block a program. This program helps employers check if their workers are legally allowed to work.
After Government Service
After leaving government, Chertoff returned to working as a lawyer. He also started The Chertoff Group in 2009. This company helps businesses and governments with security and managing risks. Many former high-ranking government officials work there.
Chertoff also became the Chairman of BAE Systems, a large defense company. He is also involved with the Atlantic Council, which studies international affairs.
Views and Opinions
Globalization
Chertoff has spoken about globalization. He said it can help improve lives worldwide. But he also warned that it can help terrorists and criminals.
Security Technology
Chertoff supports using advanced technologies for security. This includes full body scanners at airports. His consulting firm has worked with companies that make these scanners.
Climate Change
Chertoff believes that Climate Change is a serious challenge. In 2014, he said that climate change will increase security risks globally. He stated it will affect both developing and strong nations.
Political Endorsements
In the 2016 United States presidential election, Chertoff supported Hillary Clinton. In 2024, he supported Jon Bramnick for New Jersey Governor.
Selected Publications
- (2009) Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years
- (2018) Exploding Data: Reclaiming Our Cyber Security in the Digital Age
See also
- List of Jewish American jurists
- List of law clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States (Seat 3)
- List of Jewish United States Cabinet members
Images for kids
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Chertoff's official portrait as Homeland Security Secretary
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President Bush discussing border security with Chertoff near El Paso, Texas, November 2005
