Trevor McDonald revisits his iconic interview with Saddam Hussein
Trevor McDonald, now 86 years old, is preparing to revisit his historic interview with Saddam Hussein, conducted in 1990 shortly after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. This significant moment in journalism will be featured in a new ITV series titled Reporting History, set to launch on March 4, 2026.
The original interview took place in a palace in Baghdad, where McDonald and his team faced intense security measures, including being strip-searched before meeting the then-Iraqi leader. During the interview, McDonald posed challenging questions to Hussein, including, “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?” This line has remained a focal point of discussion regarding the interview’s impact.
Reflecting on the encounter, McDonald has expressed regret over his opening question, stating, “I still cringe when I listen to it. If I had to do this again, I’d find other words.” His candid acknowledgment of this sentiment highlights the complexities and pressures faced by journalists in high-stakes interviews.
Despite the serious nature of the discussion, McDonald noted that Hussein displayed an occasional smile during their conversation, a surprising contrast to the dictator’s notorious reputation. “There was a flicker of an occasional smile, I never associated Saddam with smiling.” This observation adds a layer of intrigue to their interaction, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Hussein’s demeanor.
Hussein remained in power until a US-led invasion in 2003, which ultimately led to his execution in 2006 at the age of 69. The interview with McDonald is often cited as a pivotal moment in understanding the political climate of the time and the complexities of the Iraqi regime.
As the release date for the episode approaches, viewers are eager to see how McDonald will re-examine this crucial historical moment. The series will be available on both ITVX and YouTube, allowing a wider audience to engage with this significant part of contemporary history.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional insights or revelations that may emerge in the series, but McDonald’s reflections promise to offer a profound look back at a defining moment in journalism and international relations.
