Sir Trevor McDonald Reflects on His Landmark Interview with Saddam Hussein

Veteran journalist Sir Trevor McDonald has revisited his 1990 interview with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, reflecting on the impact of his questioning during a critical period in history. The interview, conducted shortly after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, is featured in McDonald's new ITV series, "Reporting History," which premieres on ITVX and YouTube.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990The Independent

During the interview, McDonald posed a provocative opening question to Hussein: “Mr President, the invasion of a neighbouring country with such calculated force and brutality is a very un-Arab thing to do, isn’t it?” In hindsight, McDonald expressed regret over this phrasing, stating, “It’s a particularly biting commentary to somebody like Saddam Hussein … I still cringe when I listen to it. If I had to do this again, I’d find other words.” His reflection highlights the evolution of journalistic standards and the complexities of interviewing authoritarian figures.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990The Independent

The interview took place in a Baghdad palace under tense circumstances. McDonald and his ITN team experienced significant security challenges, including being "roughed up" and strip-searched prior to the meeting. The team faced uncertainty about whether they would be allowed to bring their cameras, illustrating the unpredictable nature of reporting in a regime known for its oppression.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990

Despite Hussein's notorious reputation for brutality, McDonald noted a surprising aspect of the dictator's demeanor during the interview, describing him as a "much smoother operator" who displayed an occasional smile, a stark contrast to the fear he inspired in the Iraqi populace.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990

In the aftermath of the Gulf War, which Iraq lost in 1991, Hussein remained in power until a US-led invasion in 2003, culminating in his execution in 2006. Reflecting on Iraq today, McDonald expressed sadness over the enduring divisions within the country and questioned whether more could have been done in the post-war years to alter its trajectory.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990

The new series, "Reporting History," aims to provide a deeper understanding of significant historical events through the lens of journalism. McDonald’s reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in politically volatile environments and the lasting implications of their work.

Sir Trevor McDonald: I still cringe at what I asked Saddam Hussein in 1990

• “Mr President, the invasion of a neighbouring country with such calculated force and brutality is a very un-Arab thing to do, isn’t it?” — Sir Trevor McDonald

The Independent

• “It’s a particularly biting commentary to somebody like Saddam Hussein … I still cringe when I listen to it. If I had to do this again, I’d find other words.” — Sir Trevor McDonald

The Independent

• “never knew from one moment to another what was going to happen” — Sir Trevor McDonald

The Independent

The episode focusing on McDonald's interview with Hussein will be available for viewing on ITVX and YouTube, alongside an extended audio conversation with News At Ten anchor Tom Bradby.

The Independent