Dwight D. Eisenhower

1890–1969 · Allied supreme commander & 34th U.S. president

Eisenhower commanded the Allied invasion of Europe and then served two terms as president, from 1953 to 1961. He is the target of this quote rather than its author: the John Birch Society’s founder, Robert Welch, had branded him an agent of the communist conspiracy, which made a warm Eisenhower blessing the single most valuable endorsement the society could not get. What his office did concede, through an aide, was narrower and much colder — that among the society’s members were “many devoted citizens” loyal to the United States, said explicitly without approving of the society itself.

Traced to source

2 quotes we’ve traced to Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The John Birch Society is a good, patriotic society. I don't agree with what its founder said about me, but that does not detract from the fact that its membership is comprised of many fine Americans dedicated to the preservation of our libertarian Republic”

Disputed

“Things are more like they are now than they ever have been”

Disputed

Not actually Dwight D. Eisenhower

Often misattributed to Dwight D. Eisenhower

Famous lines widely pinned on Dwight D. Eisenhower that we’ve traced to someone else.

“Don't just do something; stand there”

actually Martin Gabel

“He is suffering from delusions of adequacy”

actually Walter Kerr

“The John Birch Society is a good, patriotic society. I don't agree with what its founder said about me, but that does not detract from the fact that its membership is comprised of many fine Americans dedicated to the preservation of our libertarian Republic”

actually No documented speaker

“Things are more like they are now than they ever have been”

actually Unknown humorist

On the research bench

Commonly pinned on Dwight D. Eisenhower — under review

3 lines flagged as pinned on Dwight D. Eisenhower and queued for a full source trace — not yet verified.

“Biggest damfool mistake I ever made”

Disputed

“Get it all on record now – get the films – get the witnesses – because somewhere down the track of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened”

Disputed

“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important”

Disputed

Did they really say it?

Thought Dwight D. Eisenhower said something else?

Type a quote you think Dwight D. Eisenhower said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.