'I mean Ukraine!': George W. Bush condemns invasion of Iraq in brutal gaffe, internet reacts

A "freudian confession."
George Bush
Former president George W. Bush made a huge gaffe on Wednesday when talking Putin and Ukraine. Credit: TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images

You wouldn't be surprised to hear someone describe the U.S. invasion of Iraq as  "unjustified and brutal," especially at this point in history.

However, the one person you probably wouldn't expect to say that, just did. Accidentally.

Former President George W. Bush made the gaffe of the year on Wednesday in a speech in Dallas when attempting to denounce Russian president, Vladmir Putin, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.


You May Also Like

"The result is an absence of checks and balances in Russia, and the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq," said the former U.S president who was responsible for invading Iraq in 2003. 

"...I mean of Ukraine," Bush followed up, correcting himself. Ouch.

Bush proceeded to chuckle and mention "Iraq" again to himself, before blaming his old age for the gaffe. The crowd laughed along with Bush. Tens of thousands of people died in the war.

George W. Bush's gaffe is certainly no consolation for the many lives lost as a result of Bush's invasion of Iraq. But for a brief moment on Wednesday night, it provided a little bit of catharsis for social media users who grew up during the Bush administration in the early 2000s. Mission accomplished.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Stephen Colbert condemns the Trump administration's reaction to ICE shooting
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage. The caption reads, "They're telling you to believe them and not eyes."

The internet reacts to the March Madness bracket
A view of NCAA March Madness and Wilson logos prior to the game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the UCLA Bruins




More in Life

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!