Donald Trump Goes After Colin Powell for 'Big Mistakes on Iraq' in Wake of His Death

Donald Trump criticized the late Colin Powell for his "mistakes" on Iraq in the wake of the former secretary of state's death.

"Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media," Trump wrote in a statement released by his Save America political action committee on Tuesday.

The former president continued: "Hope that happens to me someday. He was a classic RINO [Republican in name only], if even that, always being the first to attack other Republicans. He made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!"

Powell died of complications from coronavirus at the age of 84, his family announced on Facebook Monday; he was fully vaccinated and being treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center. He had multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that was in remission, and early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Powell was a professional soldier who ascended to military leadership, becoming the first Black U.S. secretary of state in 2001 under President George W. Bush.

He was still serving in the role in 2003 when the Bush administration claimed that then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. The false intelligence was used to justify the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Powell later said that his presentation to the United Nations, in which he made the case that Iraq had a stockpile of chemical and biological weapons, was "painful" for him and a permanent "blot" on his record.

Trump Criticizes Colin Powell
Donald Trump released a statement Tuesday calling Colin Powell a "RINO" who targeted Republicans. In this photo, Trump speaks to supporters during a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on October 09, 2021 in Des... Scott Olson/Getty Images

Powell was frequently critical of Trump, calling him a "national disgrace" and "international pariah" during the 2016 election cycle.

In 2020, Powell endorsed Joe Biden's bid for the Oval Office while continuing to lambast Trump's presidency. The retired general also delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in support of Biden.

After the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, Powell told CNN he no longer considered himself a member of the GOP. He had first revealed he was a Republican in November 1995.

"I can no longer call myself a fellow Republican. I'm not a fellow of anything right now," Powell said.

Biden on Monday called Powell a "friend" who "embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat." He has ordered flags to be lowered through Friday in Powell's honor.

"I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation," the president said. "I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future."

Update 11:15 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information about Powell and President Joe Biden's statement on Powell's passing.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Alexandra Hutzler is currently a staff writer on Newsweek's politics team. Prior to joining Newsweek in summer 2018, she was ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go