May 19, 2009
Posted: May 19th, 2009 07:44 PM ET
A Rumsfeld aide denies reports the former Defense Secretary used Christian-themed covers on Iraq reports.
A Rumsfeld aide denies reports the former Defense Secretary used Christian-themed covers on Iraq reports.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld would not have approved Christian-themed covers to intelligence reports on the invasion of Iraq, calling them "counterproductive to the war effort," a spokesman said Tuesday.

The covers, some of which were published in the latest issue of GQ magazine, juxtaposed images from the 2003 invasion with verses from the Bible.

According to the magazine, Rumsfeld used the covers to curry favor with then-President George Bush, a devout evangelical.

In a written statement Tuesday, Rumsfeld spokesman Keith Urbahn said the secretary saw the reports only occasionally, and they were never shown to Bush.

"Rumsfeld was fully aware that words and actions could be harmful and counterproductive to the war effort. It's safe to say that some of these cover slides could be considered in that category," Urbahn said. "The suggestion that Rumsfeld would have composed of, approved of, or personally shown the slides to President Bush is flat wrong. It did not happen."

The story of the slides was only part of a larger, highly critical article about Rumsfeld, who was fired in 2006 after the unpopular war in Iraq helped contribute to that year's Republican electoral losses. An official quoted anonymously in the GQ article said the slides - which had been prepared by a two-star general on the Pentagon's intelligence staff - could have done damage "as bad as Abu Ghraib" if they had become public during the invasion of an Islamic nation.

Among the covers published by GQ was one showing a U.S. tank silhouetted by a desert sunrise below a quote from the New Testament book of Ephesians: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Another featured a quote from the first book of Peter atop a photo of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. It read, "It is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."

The article's author, Robert Draper, penned a 2007 book on the Bush presidency. Urbahn said Draper was "being taken by people with an axe to grind." But the story had the ring of truth to David Kuo, who led the White House "faith-based" program office during the Bush administration.

"The guy knows how to market things, and clearly he knew how to market things to his boss, to his audience of one - the president of the United States. And that was to use these biblical quotes," Kuo told CNN.

Kuo said Iraq was "always a war in search of justification." But he called the slides "frankly appalling to me, as a follower of Jesus."

"I never saw these memos. But I've got to tell you, if their use of biblical language and spiritual ignorance is anything as bad as their military ignorance, it is clear why the Iraq war is a debacle," he said.

Filed under: Donald Rumsfeld • George W. Bush


GQ Rumsfeld Photos | IAmJoshBrown   May 20th, 2009 11:16 am ET

[...] Somehow this doesn't suprise me at all. [...]

Update: Insane! WH Intelligence Briefings Had Biblical Quotes. Christian Proselytizing Reaches Disgusting Levels. « Left Agenda   May 20th, 2009 1:03 am ET

[...] Now, Keith Urbahn has written a statement saying that Rumsfeld may have seen these reports occasionally but there's no way that they were ever shown to Bush. [...]

JCrunch   May 20th, 2009 12:42 am ET

Just say no to hate and ignorance. Say no to religion.

Bill   May 20th, 2009 12:26 am ET

These 2 Crooks – Should be in Jail. :|

Brad   May 20th, 2009 12:22 am ET

"The suggestion that Rumsfeld would have composed of, approved of, or personally shown the slides to President Bush is flat wrong. It did not happen."

Yet the war still happened... amazing.

Doug504   May 20th, 2009 12:09 am ET

Rumsfeld's spokesperson says the Sec. of Defense saw these intelligence reports "only occasionally".

Does he really think not reading intelligence reports is a better defense?

Eileen   May 19th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

I'm not buying their retort.

Rumsfeld is a human sos.

Chris   May 19th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

"counterproductive to the war effort"? how about just plain wrong? to go to war in iraq for christianity is just plain WRONG. notice how rumsfield's camp isn't saying that.

Miguel   May 19th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

not good

Imarriedmycousin in TheOleSouth   May 19th, 2009 10:29 pm ET

Sounds like they were doing an American jihad.Great photo of dumb and dumber.

jayjayaye Utah   May 19th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

Let Rumsfeld state this under oath before Congress or in a court, and I'll believe it. Until this happens, why should anyone believe anything about this disgusting fiasco other than that it took place?

Martin   May 19th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

There is much that disturbs the mind with just a cursory examination of the internal workings of the eight years of the Bush administration; but I find these "slides" created by Rumsfeld particularly striking and disturbing.

Beyond just the content of these "slides", the general lack of aesthetic and the screaming text and collage-like handling of information/image remind me of the work of outsider artists, or the work of the mentally ill.

Believe me, if I were naive enough to believe in the Biblical quotes used in these intelligence briefings I would steadfastly call to my higher power to explain to me how such insane ignorance could invade the highest office of the land.

God and Country » Blog Archive » Biblical Quotes on Top Secret Documents   May 19th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

[...] a short period in 2003 by an officer who has since retired.  Supposedly, those who would have briefed and received the slides wouldn't have even found the quotes acceptable, so its unclear who did ultimately [...]

GOPer   May 19th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

The 8 years of lies in the Bush administration killed our party and left thousands dead on both side, all for no reason at all!

Jake   May 19th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

this is BEYOND disturbing

teacheng   May 19th, 2009 10:07 pm ET

I'm sure this 'aide' is totally reliable.

Rumsfeld and his ilk have crippled our military and American jurisprudence for decades to come.

Susan   May 19th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

So whose reports are these?And the Sec. of Defense never saw reports about the war? Sounds a little fishy to me.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   May 19th, 2009 9:56 pm ET

Just another reason why Bush and his administration were bad for the country. When Bush didn't understand the question of a Iraq being a war of necessity or a war of choice, that should have been a huge clue to everyone that he needed a different and more up to date brain (more than Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove and others).

lived9lives   May 19th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

So the Secretary of Defense saw them "only occasionally". Gee, I only had to see them ONCE to realize they were counter-productive. He did not personally show them to the President? Then WHO did?
And that anonymous 2 star general is close to a coward. Speak up. Tell America how many troops were exposed to this religious indoctrination? You know – the public.

bob   May 19th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

whatever..who can believe whatever any of them say..........tell us another one Rummy!..I'm on your every word!

David in West Virginia   May 19th, 2009 9:49 pm ET

What should concern Americans is the fact that these slides were made in the first place and never repudiated by the Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld or Pres. George Bush. They should have come out against these slides. Yes, the Repubican Party and the Bush Administration used Christianity and the Far Right Fundamentalist to engage is exactly what is alleged. After all, President Bush called the war a crusade and led some people into believing he was called by God to engage in the War at whatever means he had available to him and we, as Americans, carry the burden of his actions, including his lies, deceit, and torture interrogation tactics. Shame of you, Rummy!

mypitts2   May 19th, 2009 9:15 pm ET

I don't believe the Rummy spokesman. I believe David Kuo. That sounds more accurate.

There is no doubt that these reports would have been counterproductive to the war effort, but then many things Rummy did fit that bill. That would not preclude him from doing this, as his aide seems to suggest.

Rickymo   May 19th, 2009 9:11 pm ET

Losers...

Lowell   May 19th, 2009 9:06 pm ET

Here comes the backpedalling.

Expat American   May 19th, 2009 9:02 pm ET

Bush's crusade of Christianity as a means to justify an invasion is the most tell tale sign of the failure of his Republican Administration. Bush is responsible for hundreds of thousands of innocent lives lost. He will never pay, but thankfully, history will never let the Republicans be forgotten for this.

gl, Pittsburgh   May 19th, 2009 8:56 pm ET

In a written statement Tuesday, Rumsfeld spokesman Keith Urbahn said the secretary saw the reports only occasionally, and they were never shown to Bush.

Please do any of the Bush Administration ever tell the truth. Please we all no Bush seem them and approved them. They are can lye all day long becasue they are nolonger in office.

hongli   May 19th, 2009 8:50 pm ET

George Bush should be ashamed to call himself a christian. He is a WAR-CRIMINAL.

JOE   May 19th, 2009 8:44 pm ET

INTERPOL has an arrest warrant out for him right now. If he ever sets foot in europe..His crime...WAR CRIMINAL..Just like the NAZI's..

JOE   May 19th, 2009 8:42 pm ET

PLEASE....The world has heard all it ever wants to hear about this RIGHT WING NUT...He and his butt buddy BUSH have murdered thousands in the world, including 4500 of our own people. He belongs in a federal prison..

lawyermommy   May 19th, 2009 8:41 pm ET

Rumsfeld is still talking about the CHAOS he and Cheney engineered????? I though he had gone into the Benedictan monastery to plead absolution for the thousands and even millions of lost lost because of this senseless war!

Marge   May 19th, 2009 8:32 pm ET

How anybody can accuse bush of being a religious person after all he has done to the people of this country is beyond me.

joe smith   May 19th, 2009 8:28 pm ET

question; then how did these classified documents, cover and all come into existence? who produced them, who authorized their printing, and what agency of our government printed them? this guy,urbahn, well, he can't be believed, no, this material, as well as the whole iraq mess, must be laid at the feet of rumsfeld, and his supporting cast,..the obama people, because of their voting record on this war, will not, and can not do a thing..

What apology?   May 19th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

And we are upset that arabs, or Al Quaida use religion as a justification for war? Oh right, they aren't Christian, therefore they're evil. Christianity was NEVER used for war...

Dan   May 19th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

That's ridiculous. It's really sad that CNN would consider this news with an anonymous source and and a random guy who was in the White House saying "if" this happened. Are you kidding me? Yes, all of us would expect GQ, a publication for entertainment to write about this. CNN is suppose to be a serious news source.

Dan   May 19th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

That's ridiculous. It's really sad that CNN would consider this news with an annonomous source and and a random guy who was in the White House saying "if" this happened. Are you kidding me? Yes, all of us would expect GQ, a publication for entertainment to write about this. CNN is suppose to be a serious news source.

Sniffit   May 19th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

"But I've got to tell you, if their use of biblical language and spiritual ignorance is anything as bad as their military ignorance, it is clear why the Iraq war is a debacle"

LOL and he wins the prize for loaded statement of the day

Alex in Wisconsin   May 19th, 2009 8:13 pm ET

I have to believe Rummy on this one. after all, he would never do something so stupid and insensitive, that would be like not sending enough troops into war, starting a second war before the first one was finished, and sending troops out with insufficient armor. Rummy would never be that idiotic when it came to his job.

Peter Bursell   May 19th, 2009 8:12 pm ET

I don't understand... the title of each document is "Secretary of Defense Worldwide Intelligence Report" and Rumsfeld "saw the reports only occasionally"? And... "they were never shown to Bush"? Then, who was the intended audience for these cover sheets? Who DID see them? What gives? We need some better reporting here, not just a press release from Rummy. I'm sorry this story didn't get more attention. I see these images and Bible verses as confirmation that the most powerful pro-war voices were waging a Christian holy war, or at least selling it as such within the power circle. Despicable.

Bethie   May 19th, 2009 8:05 pm ET

What a bunch of fruitcakes!! Make ya shudder that these twits were once our devoted leaders??!! Ughhhhhhhhh!

LouAz   May 19th, 2009 8:04 pm ET

Reminds me of an old Tonka Toy ad. Father asks his 4 year old how the little toy truck got broken, and the little boy says that an elephant stepped on it. Rummy was never much for the USN. They have a long standing tradition that the Captain is responsible for EVERYTHING that happens to his ship, whether he is on watch or asleep. Rummy's replacement does not seem to have any problem with or avoidance of responsibility.

R AZ   May 19th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

We do not even know how many things will come out eventually about the past administration.

NVa Native   May 19th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

And why should anyone believe Rumsfield or anyone from his office?

GOP = 21st century dodo   May 19th, 2009 8:01 pm ET

We need a Truth and Reconciliation Committee that will investigate EVERYTHING. There are way too many issues where the separate parties involved are making mutually irreconcilable claims.

james in denver   May 19th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

Absolutely disgusting, very disturbing. Bush, Rumsfeld and Je$u$, what a team! Glad to see the world's "most advanced" military still depends on good old iron-age philosophy! Religion will ruin everything for everyone, just give it some time. Modern technology combined with religion might be the most dangerous weapon to mankind, just look what it got us on 9/11. Time to wake up, put down old books/myths, and start believing in human potential.

JILL   May 19th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

Boy, these guys weren't only stupid, they were dangerous!

Geez   May 19th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

Sure he does. WHAT else would we expect from this horrific administration who can't seem to tell the simplest truth the whole 8 years they were in office. I mean it's one BIG LIE after another.

WHY is America surprised?

mike   May 19th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

How can he be so bold, the proof is there on paper.

Mike S.   May 19th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

That's the Bush Rove years: cast out Jesus on a hook, and reel the suckers in.

Randolph Carter   May 19th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

That's what you get when you elect nincompoops who believe that some big invisible man in the sky created the universe 6,000 years ago. Everyone knows that the flying spaghetti monster created the universe last Thursday. Can I prove that? No. Can you prove me wrong? No. Have a nice day!

RUTY   May 19th, 2009 7:44 pm ET

I do NOT believe Rumsfeld.He is a "Bushie". That makes him less than honest.

MESA MICK   May 19th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

This is just one more example of what America gets when it votes bible thumpin' evangelical jeez-zus freaks into office.
The country got just what it deserved for voting for the "family values" and "religuous foundation" professed by a candidate instead of the competentance of the candidate – A war dressed up as a rightuous crusade...
And the motto of these con artists? God bless America....

Alicia   May 19th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

Soooooo Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice and Rove LIE, LIE, LIE about the war and now the Repubs think they have something with legs on Pelosi. Pah Leezzzzzzz

**The Republicans owe the country an apology for the war crimes and torture.

Jayden,FL   May 19th, 2009 7:37 pm ET

LIE LIE LIE! Put Rumsfeld in Jail

Cynthia - Arkansas   May 19th, 2009 7:36 pm ET

They might as well sit back and let the other shoe drop. It's all going to come to light now. They can thank Dick Cheney for not letting it go. President Obama wanted to move on, but Cheney wouldn't let him.
Now the truth must be told, no matter how ugly it is. There are all kind of people who were too afraid during the Bush era to say anything. Thank God, those days are over.

Holy cow   May 19th, 2009 7:35 pm ET

Some people commit crimes or order others to do it, in the name of God. Nothing has changed though the human history.

Richard Larson   May 19th, 2009 7:34 pm ET

Oops, delete the W and insert an F, for Doug Feith.

Neil   May 19th, 2009 7:31 pm ET

It never ceases to amaze me how Christians attempt to sanctify their sins by invoking the name of Christ. It's okay to torture. It's okay to lie. It's okay to kill innocent women and children. It's okay to "hunt Muslims for Christ." Jesus said so. The God of Love.

Richard Larson   May 19th, 2009 7:29 pm ET

As much animus as I have felt for Don Rumsfeld since he first came upon the national scene, I am almost convinced that his office was not the originator of these briefings, but that they were very probably from the office of Doug Weith who absolutely had no compunctions whatever about abrogating the concept of separation of church and state. Weith did everything he could during his thankfully short time in office to assist the President and his followers in the massive accumulation of power and arrogance within the executive.

Pragmatic   May 19th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

Why would I ever believe a word Rummy would say?

Brent   May 19th, 2009 7:25 pm ET

I call bull. He knew and he liked ... as long as it was between him and W.

Jason   May 19th, 2009 7:24 pm ET

Ahem, liar.

Keith in CA   May 19th, 2009 7:19 pm ET

There must be a special level in Hell for these war criminals. They disgraced our country and perverted Christianity to do it. What is the difference between a Crusade and a Jihad?

No Incumbents 2010   May 19th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

People who believe Pelosi, but hate Rumsfeld spewing stupidity in 3,2,1...

elana   May 19th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

Sorry, Dude! I don't believe ONE WORD you say!!

barking republican ankle biters   May 19th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

Yea right.lol

jaye   May 19th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

I don't believe anything Rumsfeld says...
IDIOT!!

Lynn   May 19th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

Let's hear from Rumsfeld himself; what a wimp...sending out someone else to spread his lies for him!! Then would the GOP demand his apology??

ray ray   May 19th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

Well... everyone KNOWS the reputation for GQ magazine and their hard-hitting reporters... so it must be true!

(eyes rolling)

Dan, TX   May 19th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

Then what did happen?

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