A Life of Service and Principle

In Memory of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II

Dear Fellow Republicans,

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we share the passing of an icon in American public service and a proud son of Rhode Island,

Ambassador J. William Middendorf II,

Ambassador Middendorf, who was 101 years old, was more than a diplomat, naval officer, or public servant, he was the embodiment of what it means to dedicate one’s life to country, faith, and principle. Through decades of service, from the battlefields of World War II to the halls of diplomacy and the highest offices of government, he carried himself with a quiet strength and unwavering integrity that inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His impact reached far beyond the positions he held. He represented a generation of Republicans who believed that service was not about titles or applause, but about stewardship, sacrifice, and duty, doing what is right for the nation and for future generations. His intellect, humility, and patriotism set a standard that remains as relevant today as ever.

For those of us here in Rhode Island, Ambassador Middendorf’s legacy is personal. He never forgot where he came from, and he remained deeply connected to our state and to the principles that make America exceptional. His wisdom and perspective were gifts to all who sought them, and his example reminds us that leadership is about courage, conviction, and character, not convenience.

As we reflect on his life, let us also be reminded of our own responsibility, to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to carry forward the values that Ambassador Middendorf so faithfully represented. His century of life was a testament to the enduring strength of American ideals and to the power of one person’s steady hand in shaping history for the better.

On behalf of the Rhode Island Republican Party, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Middendorf family and our gratitude for sharing him with us for so many years. His legacy will endure in the work we continue, the country he served, and the state he loved.

May God bless Ambassador Middendorf and the nation he served so honorably.

With respect and remembrance,

Joe Powers

Chairman, Republican Party of Rhode Island

For Immediate Release

Contact: communications@ri.gop

September 29, 2025

WASHINGTON BRIDGE REPORT EXPOSES DECADES OF NEGLECT AND POLITICAL BETRAYAL AND GOV MCKEE LIED ABOUT IT!

Warwick, RI — The newly revealed forensic analysis of the Washington Bridge collapse confirms what Rhode Islanders feared, this disaster was decades in the making. It was not sudden. It was not unforeseeable. It was the result of systemic neglect, ignored warnings, and political leaders who chose spin over responsibility.

“Rhode Islanders have been lied to, and the sad truth is that no one is surprised by what this report reveals.” said RI Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers. “This wasn’t an accident. It was negligence. Our state leaders knew the bridge was failing for years, yet they kept Rhode Islanders in the dark while thousands of lives were put at risk every single day. Why was this report hidden? Why weren’t Rhode Islanders told about the crumbling infrastructure we were driving on? And why did Democratic leadership gamble with public safety instead of telling us the truth? Gov. McKee actually said, ‘we should applaud the individuals that made the decision to close down the bridge, to save people’s lives.’ Applaud? They knew the risks for years and still did nothing, recklessly endangering the lives of up to 90,000 Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents who relied on that bridge every single day. That’s not leadership; that’s negligence dressed up as heroism. Where is the ‘Day of Reckoning’ the Governor promised? Why hasn’t a single person been fired, prosecuted, or held accountable for this dereliction of duty?”

Powers continued, “Isn’t it the Democrats who always ask, ‘Is THIS what you voted for?’ Well…is it Rhode Island? Take a good look,  this bridge disaster is exactly what their leadership delivered.”

Despite his outrage, Powers pointed to a way forward, “Rhode Islanders are angry, and they should be. But anger alone won’t fix what’s broken. While President Trump’s Administration has been making historic strides in rebuilding America, Rhode Island Democrats, led by an ineffective governor, have let our infrastructure collapse. This can and must change. Our state doesn’t have to accept failure as its destiny. We can rebuild trust, rebuild our roads, and rebuild Rhode Island, but only if we replace those who put politics above people.”

“Rhode Islanders deserve better,” Powers concluded. “I’m so tire of saying that, but we do! We deserve leaders who will confront hard truths, not bury them. We deserve accountability, not excuses. And above all, We deserve hope that this state can once again be a place where safety, competence, and honesty come first.”