Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld speaks during a press conference for Operation Enduring Freedom at the Pentagon, April 3, 2002. (Credit: Helene C. Stikkel, DOD)

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Donald Rumsfeld, who served as U.S. Secretary of Defense, died on Wednesday at the age of 88.  Rumsfeld also was the youngest and the oldest person to hold the office, serving at age 43 as the 13th secretary under President Gerald R. Ford from 1975 to 1977, and then as the 21st secretary from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush, leaving office at age 74.  Rumsfeld is most remembered for his controversial term as Defense secretary managing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Rumsfeld was accused of pushing the false narrative that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (WMD), that paved the way for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, that proved to be a big disaster for the U.S. 

“STUFF HAPPENS”  – Donald Rumsfeld 

 Rumsfeld’s infamous response to widespread looting in Baghdad:   

“Stuff happens and it’s untidy, and freedom’s untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things.” -(April 11, 2003)

The so-called “global war on terror,” began with the Iraq invasion while Rumsfeld was head of the Pentagon chief, claimed more than 800,000 lives, displaced nearly 37 million, with a US government price-tag around $6.4 trillion. 

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said of Rumsfeld:

“I was saddened to hear today of the passing of former Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.  Mr. Rumsfeld had the singular distinction of holding that post for two nonconsecutive tenures, serving as both the 13th Secretary of Defense and the 21st. He also served in the U.S. Navy in 1954-57 as a pilot and a flight instructor, and he continued his service as a reservist until 1975, when he became Secretary of Defense for the first time. Over the decades of his remarkable career, from Congress to the White House to the Pentagon, Secretary Rumsfeld was propelled by his boundless energy, probing intellect, and abiding commitment to serve his country. On behalf of the Department of Defense, I extend my deep condolences to his family and loved ones. “

Disastrous Iraq, Afghanistan wars Were Rumsfeld’s Demise

Following multiple  controversies during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including alleged prisoner abuse and torture, Rumsfeld became a lightning rod for criticism of the Bush administration. He resigned as defense secretary effective Dec. 18, 2006, and was succeeded by Robert M. Gates.