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The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
16 days and 03:10:07
100 copies available
U.S. only
Donald Rumsfeld was a major player in American history. In this riveting alternative history, he's put on trial for his role in the United States 2003 invasion of Iraq. The story charts Rumsfeld's rise to fame and power, the fight with President Donald Trump that leads to his prosecution, and his spellbinding trial at the International Criminal Court. Told through the eyes of a mysterious narrator whose identity—and pivotal role in Rumsfeld’s downfall—are eventually revealed, The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld is a tale of politics, betrayal, and the explosive mix of unbridled ambition and absolute power.
289 pages, ebook
Published September 12, 2025
31 people are currently reading
1350 people want to read
About the author
William Cooper
3 books311 followersWilliam Cooper is the author of The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld: A Novel. An attorney and national columnist, his writings have appeared in hundreds of publications globally including The New York Times, CNN, and Newsweek. He hosts the “Books and More” podcast. Publishers Weekly calls his commentary about American politics “a compelling rallying cry for democratic institutions under threat in America.” Visit him online at will-cooper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2025
I thank the author, Mr. Cooper, for sending me this novel with an alternative look at what could (should) have happened to Donald Rumsfeld.
Mr. Rumsfeld was a driven, supremely self-confident man who worked for Republican governments, starting with Nixon. When Democrats were in the White House, he turned Searle into a powerhouse drug company. He became the youngest Secretary of Defense in US history under President Ford, returning to the position for George W. Bush.
The novel begins with Mr. Rumsfeld on trial for war crimes in the International Criminal Court at The Hague. It then goes back in time, charting Mr. Rumsfeld's (Rummy) rise through government with each chapter heading a different date. I could actually feel his fear and horror when the plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11/2001. He was apparently helpful in rescuing folks that day. So the novel does a great job of displaying WHY Rummy was absolutely POSITIVE that Iraq should be invaded. Maybe Iraq did/didn't have weapons of mass destruction. He and Dick Cheney, the Vice President, reasoned that if Iraq didn't have WMD's right then, they soon would have. They therefore misled President Bush - hiding a crucial tape recording between Qusay Hussain and Tariq Aziz in which they discuss Iraq's LACK of WMD's. Over Secretary of State Colin Powell's and NSA Director Condi Rice's vociferous objections, Rummy and Cheney talked Bush into the catastrophic war for which we US taxpayers are still on the hook.
Then the book veered from actual history into imagined. In this novel, GW Bush succumbs to his alcohol addiction and resigns from office. Shortly thereafter, then President Cheney succumbs to a heart attack, leaving his VP, Rummy, as the second unelected VP/POTUS in US history. Rummy then decides that regime change is also necessary in Iran. Sen. John McCain successfully passes through the Senate a law reinforcing the Senate's ability to declare war, (as it always has been), not the President. Rummy ignores this, to the ignominy of US forces in Iran. Rummy loses the next election in a landslide b/c of this. He retires to Taos, NM, and life is good, although he is still enough of an egoist to look for his name in the newspaper. (Eye roll)
Until -- President Trump agrees NOT to block extradition of Rummy and his VP, John Bolton, to the International Criminal Court. Armed men hustle him from his home at sunrise and he is incarcerated at The Hague. The closing arguments of the Court's lawyer and Rummy's lawyer were fascinating, and the reader is left wondering what will happen to Rummy? Will he spend the rest of his life in prison, the first American President convicted of War Crimes?
I really enjoyed reading this novel that demonstrates how hubris can overcome one's common sense and dedication to the law. I'm not sure I agree with how the novel's court case turned out, but I can understand it. 4.8ish stars rounded up to 5.
Mr. Rumsfeld was a driven, supremely self-confident man who worked for Republican governments, starting with Nixon. When Democrats were in the White House, he turned Searle into a powerhouse drug company. He became the youngest Secretary of Defense in US history under President Ford, returning to the position for George W. Bush.
The novel begins with Mr. Rumsfeld on trial for war crimes in the International Criminal Court at The Hague. It then goes back in time, charting Mr. Rumsfeld's (Rummy) rise through government with each chapter heading a different date. I could actually feel his fear and horror when the plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11/2001. He was apparently helpful in rescuing folks that day. So the novel does a great job of displaying WHY Rummy was absolutely POSITIVE that Iraq should be invaded. Maybe Iraq did/didn't have weapons of mass destruction. He and Dick Cheney, the Vice President, reasoned that if Iraq didn't have WMD's right then, they soon would have. They therefore misled President Bush - hiding a crucial tape recording between Qusay Hussain and Tariq Aziz in which they discuss Iraq's LACK of WMD's. Over Secretary of State Colin Powell's and NSA Director Condi Rice's vociferous objections, Rummy and Cheney talked Bush into the catastrophic war for which we US taxpayers are still on the hook.
Then the book veered from actual history into imagined. In this novel, GW Bush succumbs to his alcohol addiction and resigns from office. Shortly thereafter, then President Cheney succumbs to a heart attack, leaving his VP, Rummy, as the second unelected VP/POTUS in US history. Rummy then decides that regime change is also necessary in Iran. Sen. John McCain successfully passes through the Senate a law reinforcing the Senate's ability to declare war, (as it always has been), not the President. Rummy ignores this, to the ignominy of US forces in Iran. Rummy loses the next election in a landslide b/c of this. He retires to Taos, NM, and life is good, although he is still enough of an egoist to look for his name in the newspaper. (Eye roll)
Until -- President Trump agrees NOT to block extradition of Rummy and his VP, John Bolton, to the International Criminal Court. Armed men hustle him from his home at sunrise and he is incarcerated at The Hague. The closing arguments of the Court's lawyer and Rummy's lawyer were fascinating, and the reader is left wondering what will happen to Rummy? Will he spend the rest of his life in prison, the first American President convicted of War Crimes?
I really enjoyed reading this novel that demonstrates how hubris can overcome one's common sense and dedication to the law. I'm not sure I agree with how the novel's court case turned out, but I can understand it. 4.8ish stars rounded up to 5.
November 10, 2025
"He knew that he had, in fact, committed a grievous error: he of all people had confused what he knew with what he didn’t."
Clever! Clever! Clever! Given the serious topic I am not sure it's appropriate to say that this was a fun read, but it sure was for me. I was in my very early twenties in the eighties, and very, very busy, but I was generally aware of Donald H. Rumsfeld and the events depicted in this alternative history political thriller. The author does such a great job of weaving this fictionalized story with real life characters, that at times I found myself believing the whole thing, but unfortunately Rumsfeld was never prosecuted for his actions, and while I don't believe that an International Criminal Court was the proper venue, I do think a U.S. court should have done the job. The ending was, and I'll have to repeat myself very clever, an enjoyable read.
Clever! Clever! Clever! Given the serious topic I am not sure it's appropriate to say that this was a fun read, but it sure was for me. I was in my very early twenties in the eighties, and very, very busy, but I was generally aware of Donald H. Rumsfeld and the events depicted in this alternative history political thriller. The author does such a great job of weaving this fictionalized story with real life characters, that at times I found myself believing the whole thing, but unfortunately Rumsfeld was never prosecuted for his actions, and while I don't believe that an International Criminal Court was the proper venue, I do think a U.S. court should have done the job. The ending was, and I'll have to repeat myself very clever, an enjoyable read.
October 17, 2025
Definitely a most informed read. Learned quite a bit about our "good ole boy" system on the hill. Makes you wonder what else we haven't been told about.
June 14, 2025
Alternate history, but can help understand the present…
Donald Rumsfeld was an important figure in recent American history, serving as United States Secretary of Defense during two major events: the attack by terrorists on September 11, 2001 and the invasion of Iraq by the US in 2003. These events certainly make for interesting reading in and of themselves. William Cooper has produced an even more enjoyable story by imagining that Rumsfeld follows up to become president in 2005. “Rummy” loses a bid for a second term to Barack Obama but is later targeted and brought to trial by President Trump for actions he took as Secretary of Defense. This is material for good reading, and the author adds a number of elements that added to the fun.
Plenty of intrigue is built into the nature of the main plot, and even more is added by the presence of a shadowy narrator who observes and reports on the events. Instead of “whodunit” we have “whowroteit”, and I kept guessing wrong.
The characters are nicely done also. Rumsfeld and other real figures of history come across as genuine people, which can help a reader understand some of their actions and decisions.
I enjoyed recalling some of the history of an era that I lived through and was intrigued by some of it that I had not known, such as George H W Bush’s fairly serious drinking problem.
Each chapter begins with an excerpt from Rumsfeld’s Rules, a real book that grew out of pithy, compelling, and often humorous observations about leadership, business, and life that Rumsfeld had collected and that President Ford liked so much he had them distributed to the White House staff. I had not heard of it but now have a new addition to my long Want to Read list! Prime among Rumsfeld’s Rules is the idea of “known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns”. It is cited often in the book and is a good concept to think about in life.
The charges against Rumsfeld and the portrayal of his trial give the feel of a legal thriller, and I was eager to hear the verdict! The ending of the book was gripping and clever.
As someone who lived through the era when this book took place, I can especially relate to it, but no matter what your age, if you enjoy intelligent fiction where you also learn something, this is a book for you!
Donald Rumsfeld was an important figure in recent American history, serving as United States Secretary of Defense during two major events: the attack by terrorists on September 11, 2001 and the invasion of Iraq by the US in 2003. These events certainly make for interesting reading in and of themselves. William Cooper has produced an even more enjoyable story by imagining that Rumsfeld follows up to become president in 2005. “Rummy” loses a bid for a second term to Barack Obama but is later targeted and brought to trial by President Trump for actions he took as Secretary of Defense. This is material for good reading, and the author adds a number of elements that added to the fun.
Plenty of intrigue is built into the nature of the main plot, and even more is added by the presence of a shadowy narrator who observes and reports on the events. Instead of “whodunit” we have “whowroteit”, and I kept guessing wrong.
The characters are nicely done also. Rumsfeld and other real figures of history come across as genuine people, which can help a reader understand some of their actions and decisions.
I enjoyed recalling some of the history of an era that I lived through and was intrigued by some of it that I had not known, such as George H W Bush’s fairly serious drinking problem.
Each chapter begins with an excerpt from Rumsfeld’s Rules, a real book that grew out of pithy, compelling, and often humorous observations about leadership, business, and life that Rumsfeld had collected and that President Ford liked so much he had them distributed to the White House staff. I had not heard of it but now have a new addition to my long Want to Read list! Prime among Rumsfeld’s Rules is the idea of “known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns”. It is cited often in the book and is a good concept to think about in life.
The charges against Rumsfeld and the portrayal of his trial give the feel of a legal thriller, and I was eager to hear the verdict! The ending of the book was gripping and clever.
As someone who lived through the era when this book took place, I can especially relate to it, but no matter what your age, if you enjoy intelligent fiction where you also learn something, this is a book for you!
September 22, 2025
A complimentary copy of this book was received following a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the researched combination of history with the fictional narrative. Some portions blended both for the alternative take on history. This type of writing seems really relevant in 2025. It was a quick read and would recommend for those that lived through the listed historical events or an interest in the topic. Highly recommended!
October 1, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Donald Rumsfeld goes to trial over whether he lied about weapons of mass destruction.
It really reminded me of the fictional biography of President Reagan from a few years ago.
Donald Rumsfeld goes to trial over whether he lied about weapons of mass destruction.
It really reminded me of the fictional biography of President Reagan from a few years ago.
December 10, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it's considered a novel it was also rich in history. At times it seemed to be very relatable to our current times.
November 23, 2025
Captivating
The book very closely follows the events and lives of many of our top leaders. The fiction intertwined masterfully, creating a story that is engrossing. Another great book by Mr. Cooper.
The book very closely follows the events and lives of many of our top leaders. The fiction intertwined masterfully, creating a story that is engrossing. Another great book by Mr. Cooper.
September 13, 2025
First of all, my profound thanks and gratitude go to William for providing me with a free copy of this book.
I made my speech synthesizer read through this book at a very fast speed so that I could write a review.
I will first say this. William, you might not like that I could not give this book maybe as high a rating as you might have been hoping for, but, as I will explain in this review, some of it could be my fault, some could be what I did or did not expect from such a book, and I also am not sure whether the author is trying to make a point in the book that I disagree with.
First, you can tell this book was written not to be a bestseller. It is written more for quite a sophisticated and niche gourmet audience who must have the ability to appreciate and understand a more complex story.
One can tell William has very good acumen and probably a very high IQ.
I want to review the book and explain my relationship to it, but there are some points the characters in this book seem to be making that I might not be agreeing with.
I do not know whether the book was trying to make a point that international leaders or American citizens should be handed over to the ICJ.
I believe they should.
I also totally disagree with the judge’s sentencing and the reasons he gave for it.
We are having this whole debate with Russia and Israel now, and whatever position we take, I hope we can at least all agree that international law is a paper tiger, whatever the ICJ ever decides is meaningless since they can’t even bring anyone to trial, and we live in a basically realist world where the strong do what the want and the weak bare what is decided for them.
Even the whole UN Security Council system is a total mess with five power vetos. I don’t pretend to know how it should be reformed, but am just stating the obvious that it is just not working.
So the book.
It has amazing word paintings and scene descriptions.
I was not the right audience for this book for quite a few reasons.
I do not enjoy alternative history fiction with real characters.
The second reason the book was difficult weas I was still in high school during the Iraq war.
I followed the TV news closely, and afterwards I even studied Politics, but my problems were that I have never felt like reading the memoirs from that period by American liberal or conservative politicians from that time, because firstly that whole war upset me and I still believe it was illegal, we watched it unfolding live, but even more importantly and unfortunately, I just literally did not have access to American political books at that time. Even on Audible we were geo-restricted from many of them.
These days, I would do things differently and read as much as I can, even if I totally hate whoever I would consider wrong in one of the wars we have going on at the moment.
So I liked in this book, William obviously did a lot of excellent research and reading so I didn’t have to.
I knew who Rumsfeld was, but I never bothered to know too much of his back story, and, since I’m not that generation, I do not know much about American history during the times of the Cold War.
Luckily the book does an excellent job there.
You do not need to know your American history to read this book.
I didn’t like though that there is a huge jump in the book, a gap between the mid 1980’s, suddenly going to the late 90’s.
The one part of the book stops where Rumsfeld meets Saddam and is shocked by how little he asks of America while he is at war with Iran.
You don’t get to know unless you have read your history what exactly happened between that time, the Gulf War, did Rumsfeld’s mind evolve? Was it also really true that Saddam often tried to assassinate the first President Bush?
There are characters in this book, generals and people and such, dialogue, and, if you don’t know your history, you have no idea who is and who is not fictional.
If you are a young person, if you don’t know your history, this book will be difficult reading for you, and, if you are of Gen Z and after, probably quite incomprehensible.
If you do not like Politics and/or Law, this book is also not for you.I am going to admit that there is a really good chance that I am quite unfair to this book and not appreciative enough because I am often unclear about what the real roles of some people were during the Bush Administration, functionally speaking. Even today I do not really understand exactly the positions and duties of many persons in the American political system and what they actually do, never mind that roles are created and destroyed, or whole departments are created or destroyed or renamed?
Maybe you just need to know your American politics much more than I do and that maybe would make a person appreciate and understand the book more?
Unfortunately for me the American political system and structures often seem rather complicated, only the bureaucracy and the EU seem even more confusing. Some countries just have easier politics than others.
Also remember that many of the opinions in this book are those of Rumsfeld and not the author playing politics.
For example how the book talked about the eras of Carter and Clinton.
I had to remind myself that this was the Rumsfeld or Republican point of view.
Apart from the Iran mess, many of in other countries who have read about the Carter Presidency and his humanitarian work afterwards totally admired him and wonder if the world might have been better or at least different if he had had another term.
And the same with Clinton.
I know I was very young, but I followed the news a tiny bit. We were optimistic. I remember he even came to SA.
The character of Rumsfeld just before September 11 and going on afterwards is extremely well developed and crafted. A lot of research and sources were again consulted to make him believable.
Unfortunately, ok, this is fiction, but not much time is spent on the devastation that was probably caused by his war on Iran.
Do I believe Bush and his crew should have been held accountable for Iraq? Absolutely. Even if there were WMD’s, with the information I know, I don’t think Saddam was posing a threat to another sovereign state, and I believe the pieces I read that, at the time, he had nothing to do with international terrorism.
The book also does not address this puzzle.
You bomb Iran probably because of the nuclear weapons as well, that could be one of the reasons. We saw what NATO did in Libya, despite them giving up their weapons and stopping terrorist activities. So who on earth can blame India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea for not making sure they do have them for their security, and who would be surprised if other states don’t start in the future?
Anyway, coming back to Iraq, I still remember Sky News showing the largest anti-war march in Britain’s history, their Prime Minister had the whole episode with the dodgy dossier and many inquiries, but he has suddenly quietly been made a sir by the British Government.
The public had no say, and even in 2005 they could only vote for two pro-war candidates.
To be honest, when all is said and done, I still feel very unsure what the exact points were that this book and author was trying to make, and, since it is fiction it would have been nicer to have something more concrete.
Unfortunately, as a person who wishes they could be an idealist, I’d have liked a proper prison sentence. But then, the author is driving the story, not me.
On the other hand, I also can’t help, with quite such a muddy ending, wondering if the author is trying to warn readers in America to be weary of the ICJ, critical of unstable American presidents to use the ICJ to settle scores?
I suppose it is the ambiguity of the book and the conclusion that would make the book appealing in the realm of legal fiction?
But, speaking only for myself, when I do see international law in such a mess and nations exempting their citizens from prosecution by the ICJ, then this book isn’t really my cup of tea in these times.
People can circumvent the ICJ, well then, let all the powerful countries exclude their citizens and let’s have a more realist and chaotic world instead of finding a more just, idealistic way forward for civilization.
Even though I wish that, I don’t think it will happen, or, if it eventually does, some really drastic events will have to happen to somehow brake the stalemate we’ve had for decades.
But none of that seems likely at all.
If this book did want to show Rumsfeld as, what I also believe he was, a very ruthless, arrogant, and quite unfeeling character, it did the job. I know there were a few moments of tenderness and vulnerability, but advocating for a totally unnecessary war where so much life was lost removes those moments of ‘human’ for me.
We see the exact same behavior, for example, by the Extremist Israeli Finance Minister, the 7 October planners, or the President of Russia.
Unfortunately humans are really good at behaving appallingly, and some are just much more appalling than others.
But yeah, the novel shows Rumsfeld as totally odious.
The sad thing is, ok, we are lucky Rumsfeld never became president, but Bush and his behavior seems more acceptable, apart from the Iraq war, compared to the government at the moment.
I made my speech synthesizer read through this book at a very fast speed so that I could write a review.
I will first say this. William, you might not like that I could not give this book maybe as high a rating as you might have been hoping for, but, as I will explain in this review, some of it could be my fault, some could be what I did or did not expect from such a book, and I also am not sure whether the author is trying to make a point in the book that I disagree with.
First, you can tell this book was written not to be a bestseller. It is written more for quite a sophisticated and niche gourmet audience who must have the ability to appreciate and understand a more complex story.
One can tell William has very good acumen and probably a very high IQ.
I want to review the book and explain my relationship to it, but there are some points the characters in this book seem to be making that I might not be agreeing with.
I do not know whether the book was trying to make a point that international leaders or American citizens should be handed over to the ICJ.
I believe they should.
I also totally disagree with the judge’s sentencing and the reasons he gave for it.
We are having this whole debate with Russia and Israel now, and whatever position we take, I hope we can at least all agree that international law is a paper tiger, whatever the ICJ ever decides is meaningless since they can’t even bring anyone to trial, and we live in a basically realist world where the strong do what the want and the weak bare what is decided for them.
Even the whole UN Security Council system is a total mess with five power vetos. I don’t pretend to know how it should be reformed, but am just stating the obvious that it is just not working.
So the book.
It has amazing word paintings and scene descriptions.
I was not the right audience for this book for quite a few reasons.
I do not enjoy alternative history fiction with real characters.
The second reason the book was difficult weas I was still in high school during the Iraq war.
I followed the TV news closely, and afterwards I even studied Politics, but my problems were that I have never felt like reading the memoirs from that period by American liberal or conservative politicians from that time, because firstly that whole war upset me and I still believe it was illegal, we watched it unfolding live, but even more importantly and unfortunately, I just literally did not have access to American political books at that time. Even on Audible we were geo-restricted from many of them.
These days, I would do things differently and read as much as I can, even if I totally hate whoever I would consider wrong in one of the wars we have going on at the moment.
So I liked in this book, William obviously did a lot of excellent research and reading so I didn’t have to.
I knew who Rumsfeld was, but I never bothered to know too much of his back story, and, since I’m not that generation, I do not know much about American history during the times of the Cold War.
Luckily the book does an excellent job there.
You do not need to know your American history to read this book.
I didn’t like though that there is a huge jump in the book, a gap between the mid 1980’s, suddenly going to the late 90’s.
The one part of the book stops where Rumsfeld meets Saddam and is shocked by how little he asks of America while he is at war with Iran.
You don’t get to know unless you have read your history what exactly happened between that time, the Gulf War, did Rumsfeld’s mind evolve? Was it also really true that Saddam often tried to assassinate the first President Bush?
There are characters in this book, generals and people and such, dialogue, and, if you don’t know your history, you have no idea who is and who is not fictional.
If you are a young person, if you don’t know your history, this book will be difficult reading for you, and, if you are of Gen Z and after, probably quite incomprehensible.
If you do not like Politics and/or Law, this book is also not for you.I am going to admit that there is a really good chance that I am quite unfair to this book and not appreciative enough because I am often unclear about what the real roles of some people were during the Bush Administration, functionally speaking. Even today I do not really understand exactly the positions and duties of many persons in the American political system and what they actually do, never mind that roles are created and destroyed, or whole departments are created or destroyed or renamed?
Maybe you just need to know your American politics much more than I do and that maybe would make a person appreciate and understand the book more?
Unfortunately for me the American political system and structures often seem rather complicated, only the bureaucracy and the EU seem even more confusing. Some countries just have easier politics than others.
Also remember that many of the opinions in this book are those of Rumsfeld and not the author playing politics.
For example how the book talked about the eras of Carter and Clinton.
I had to remind myself that this was the Rumsfeld or Republican point of view.
Apart from the Iran mess, many of in other countries who have read about the Carter Presidency and his humanitarian work afterwards totally admired him and wonder if the world might have been better or at least different if he had had another term.
And the same with Clinton.
I know I was very young, but I followed the news a tiny bit. We were optimistic. I remember he even came to SA.
The character of Rumsfeld just before September 11 and going on afterwards is extremely well developed and crafted. A lot of research and sources were again consulted to make him believable.
Unfortunately, ok, this is fiction, but not much time is spent on the devastation that was probably caused by his war on Iran.
Do I believe Bush and his crew should have been held accountable for Iraq? Absolutely. Even if there were WMD’s, with the information I know, I don’t think Saddam was posing a threat to another sovereign state, and I believe the pieces I read that, at the time, he had nothing to do with international terrorism.
The book also does not address this puzzle.
You bomb Iran probably because of the nuclear weapons as well, that could be one of the reasons. We saw what NATO did in Libya, despite them giving up their weapons and stopping terrorist activities. So who on earth can blame India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea for not making sure they do have them for their security, and who would be surprised if other states don’t start in the future?
Anyway, coming back to Iraq, I still remember Sky News showing the largest anti-war march in Britain’s history, their Prime Minister had the whole episode with the dodgy dossier and many inquiries, but he has suddenly quietly been made a sir by the British Government.
The public had no say, and even in 2005 they could only vote for two pro-war candidates.
To be honest, when all is said and done, I still feel very unsure what the exact points were that this book and author was trying to make, and, since it is fiction it would have been nicer to have something more concrete.
Unfortunately, as a person who wishes they could be an idealist, I’d have liked a proper prison sentence. But then, the author is driving the story, not me.
On the other hand, I also can’t help, with quite such a muddy ending, wondering if the author is trying to warn readers in America to be weary of the ICJ, critical of unstable American presidents to use the ICJ to settle scores?
I suppose it is the ambiguity of the book and the conclusion that would make the book appealing in the realm of legal fiction?
But, speaking only for myself, when I do see international law in such a mess and nations exempting their citizens from prosecution by the ICJ, then this book isn’t really my cup of tea in these times.
People can circumvent the ICJ, well then, let all the powerful countries exclude their citizens and let’s have a more realist and chaotic world instead of finding a more just, idealistic way forward for civilization.
Even though I wish that, I don’t think it will happen, or, if it eventually does, some really drastic events will have to happen to somehow brake the stalemate we’ve had for decades.
But none of that seems likely at all.
If this book did want to show Rumsfeld as, what I also believe he was, a very ruthless, arrogant, and quite unfeeling character, it did the job. I know there were a few moments of tenderness and vulnerability, but advocating for a totally unnecessary war where so much life was lost removes those moments of ‘human’ for me.
We see the exact same behavior, for example, by the Extremist Israeli Finance Minister, the 7 October planners, or the President of Russia.
Unfortunately humans are really good at behaving appallingly, and some are just much more appalling than others.
But yeah, the novel shows Rumsfeld as totally odious.
The sad thing is, ok, we are lucky Rumsfeld never became president, but Bush and his behavior seems more acceptable, apart from the Iraq war, compared to the government at the moment.
October 18, 2025
“The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld” by William Cooper is a good political thriller. The novel is an alternative history of Donald Rumsfeld’s political career over several Republican administrations. The alternative history portion of the novel really begins with his installation as the Defense Department secretary during the George W. Bush administration. The alternative history revolves around the Iraq War and the justification of the war on the existence of WMDs. There are a number of interesting political theories at work that lead to his trial and the policies of Donald Trump and his desire for political revenge on people who don’t show fealty to him.
October 4, 2025
Wow - just...wow.
This is an odd mix of history and imagining. Most of the people are real and some of the events actually happened, however, at a certain point in the book we head into 'alternative history.'
Donald Rumsfeld was a political powerhouse. Serving as Secretary of Defence, for the second time, under President Bush, he is in charge on September 11th during the terror attacks on America. Rummy, as he is known, is deeply upset that this has happened on his watch and seeks to make sure that it never happens again. He makes choices and decisions with VP Dick Cheney that ultimately lead America into war in both Iran and Iraq. Through a variety of circumstances, Rummy ends up as President in this alternative version.
I really enjoyed the way this was written. It was political, but not too highbrow, entertaining and, most importantly kept me reading to find out what happens. I think the book poses the very important political question of how 'justice' for war crimes is something that we in the West are not necessarily subject to. This is at the heart of the book, as Rummy begins the novel on trial at the International Court of Justice. This is not something we could ever imagine happening in real life - Middle Eastern leaders, yes, but American leaders...not unless hell froze over. However, it is clear from this book that it is something that should happen.
Rummy has just finished giving his testimony and we are now taken on a tour of his life, history and how he got to this point. I loved the 'mystery' narrator who can both see everything and detail thoughts and conversations that they weren't there for. The reveal is particularly clever even though I was a tiny bit ahead of it - it was still masterfully handled. The trial element is exciting and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the jury to come back with the verdict.
This is a political, courtroom drama that, in my head, I couldn't help but imagine as a TV series. In short, it is brilliant.
Thanks to William Cooper for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is an odd mix of history and imagining. Most of the people are real and some of the events actually happened, however, at a certain point in the book we head into 'alternative history.'
Donald Rumsfeld was a political powerhouse. Serving as Secretary of Defence, for the second time, under President Bush, he is in charge on September 11th during the terror attacks on America. Rummy, as he is known, is deeply upset that this has happened on his watch and seeks to make sure that it never happens again. He makes choices and decisions with VP Dick Cheney that ultimately lead America into war in both Iran and Iraq. Through a variety of circumstances, Rummy ends up as President in this alternative version.
I really enjoyed the way this was written. It was political, but not too highbrow, entertaining and, most importantly kept me reading to find out what happens. I think the book poses the very important political question of how 'justice' for war crimes is something that we in the West are not necessarily subject to. This is at the heart of the book, as Rummy begins the novel on trial at the International Court of Justice. This is not something we could ever imagine happening in real life - Middle Eastern leaders, yes, but American leaders...not unless hell froze over. However, it is clear from this book that it is something that should happen.
Rummy has just finished giving his testimony and we are now taken on a tour of his life, history and how he got to this point. I loved the 'mystery' narrator who can both see everything and detail thoughts and conversations that they weren't there for. The reveal is particularly clever even though I was a tiny bit ahead of it - it was still masterfully handled. The trial element is exciting and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the jury to come back with the verdict.
This is a political, courtroom drama that, in my head, I couldn't help but imagine as a TV series. In short, it is brilliant.
Thanks to William Cooper for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
I think of the author as a political centrist whom I met in this Goodreads space. I believe I came to know him when he made an observation about one of my book reviews covering a book with a political theme. We exchange messages now and then, and I was honest with him about my libertarian leanings. When he was ready to release this novel, he encouraged me to read it, and after a bit of time, I took him up on it.
I was not expecting it to be the kind of book that would keep me engaged and intrigued. I deep down worried that it could be the author's tool to degrade a politician of whom he did not approve. I was pleased to see that it treated Donald Rumsfeld in a fair and even compassionate manner. It would be easy to give in to the temptation to portray a man responsible for much of America's aggressive foreign policy as a monstrous warmonger itching to bring death and destruction to America's enemies. Instead we see a patriotic politician who is animated by a desire to see America free and secure. He is a faithful and loving family man who is loyal to his country and associates. But he is driven by ambition and seems to lack the ability to truly see the full impact of his decisions.
The book is written from the perspective of someone involved in the workings of government, and this narrator isn't revealed until near the very end of the book. This device allows the narration to be well-informed about the protagonist and also about the geo-political scene that Rumsfeld was involved with. It seems that none of the characters are painted as evil, with the exception of John Bolton, but I would find it hard to find a positive angle from which to observe his actions in real life. Trump makes an appearance or two, and that brought a few chuckles to me.
The overwhelming theme of the book is the flaw of character that leads Rumsfeld to make faulty decisions and brings him to trial by an international tribunal for crimes against humanity. The way the author resolves the court's decision is masterly and satisfying. And the way the author leads up to that decision kept my attention throughout the book. It was also a healthy review of some U.S. history stretching back from the Nixon era and up through the wars that followed 9-11. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in American foreign policy and government.
I was not expecting it to be the kind of book that would keep me engaged and intrigued. I deep down worried that it could be the author's tool to degrade a politician of whom he did not approve. I was pleased to see that it treated Donald Rumsfeld in a fair and even compassionate manner. It would be easy to give in to the temptation to portray a man responsible for much of America's aggressive foreign policy as a monstrous warmonger itching to bring death and destruction to America's enemies. Instead we see a patriotic politician who is animated by a desire to see America free and secure. He is a faithful and loving family man who is loyal to his country and associates. But he is driven by ambition and seems to lack the ability to truly see the full impact of his decisions.
The book is written from the perspective of someone involved in the workings of government, and this narrator isn't revealed until near the very end of the book. This device allows the narration to be well-informed about the protagonist and also about the geo-political scene that Rumsfeld was involved with. It seems that none of the characters are painted as evil, with the exception of John Bolton, but I would find it hard to find a positive angle from which to observe his actions in real life. Trump makes an appearance or two, and that brought a few chuckles to me.
The overwhelming theme of the book is the flaw of character that leads Rumsfeld to make faulty decisions and brings him to trial by an international tribunal for crimes against humanity. The way the author resolves the court's decision is masterly and satisfying. And the way the author leads up to that decision kept my attention throughout the book. It was also a healthy review of some U.S. history stretching back from the Nixon era and up through the wars that followed 9-11. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in American foreign policy and government.
November 9, 2025
Cooper's novel is a deft blend of historical facts, speculation, and complete fiction. He takes historical events and posits an alternative history where Donald H. Rumsfeld becomes the 45th President of The United States following first the resignation of George W. Bush, the succession of Vice President Dick Cheney to POTUS, and then the ascendance of Rumsfeld when Cheney dies in office.
This book contains the kind of "insider" insights into White House politics behind close doors that you would expect to read in a nonfiction book by Robert Woodward. The first part of the novel is a biography of sorts of the life of Donald Rumsfeld, up until that point when Bush resigns and then the alternative history begins.
The biography tracing the political career of Rumsfeld reads like it is being told to a co-writer. It is amazing to me that Cooper researched his subject so thoroughly and then details it so that it reads like a memoir dictated to a friend rather than a straight news account of what happened. The conversations seem authentic enough that it made me wonder at several points if Cooper ever spent any time on the White House staff.
Reading the fictional parts of the novel (most of the latter half) made me wonder why Cooper chose this subject matter. I've always been a news junkie and followed the events before and after the Iraq war closely. The novel postulates that Rumsfeld could not obtain any solid evidence that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, and that he withheld contradictory evidence in order to push Bush into going to war anyway. I've often thought this to be true, and Cooper seems to share that belief. Out of respect for the late Dick Cheney, I'm not going to mention his role.
So, if you share my suspicions you may be as pleased as I was with the outcome of the trial. Having the identity of the narrator of the novel withheld until the final chapter was a nice touch that made the impact of the story even stronger (even though I guessed who it was).
Thanks to William Cooper for a digital review copy of this book. I was not under any obligation to write a review, but chose to do so.
This book contains the kind of "insider" insights into White House politics behind close doors that you would expect to read in a nonfiction book by Robert Woodward. The first part of the novel is a biography of sorts of the life of Donald Rumsfeld, up until that point when Bush resigns and then the alternative history begins.
The biography tracing the political career of Rumsfeld reads like it is being told to a co-writer. It is amazing to me that Cooper researched his subject so thoroughly and then details it so that it reads like a memoir dictated to a friend rather than a straight news account of what happened. The conversations seem authentic enough that it made me wonder at several points if Cooper ever spent any time on the White House staff.
Reading the fictional parts of the novel (most of the latter half) made me wonder why Cooper chose this subject matter. I've always been a news junkie and followed the events before and after the Iraq war closely. The novel postulates that Rumsfeld could not obtain any solid evidence that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, and that he withheld contradictory evidence in order to push Bush into going to war anyway. I've often thought this to be true, and Cooper seems to share that belief. Out of respect for the late Dick Cheney, I'm not going to mention his role.
So, if you share my suspicions you may be as pleased as I was with the outcome of the trial. Having the identity of the narrator of the novel withheld until the final chapter was a nice touch that made the impact of the story even stronger (even though I guessed who it was).
Thanks to William Cooper for a digital review copy of this book. I was not under any obligation to write a review, but chose to do so.
September 19, 2025
I think there’s no doubt that the war on Iraq - a war that killed more than twice the Americans it wanted to avenge - was one of the biggest crimes against humanity post WWII.
While there is large consensus that, within the nefarious trio Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld, the former was the weak link, prey of the other two, there’s also evidence that Cheney was the leading force and Rumsfeld a sort of supporting act. Despite this, the one put under the spot in the book is Donald Rumsfeld.
Never mind this, the insight into Rumsfeld’s psyche, his contempt for the status quo, the fear of inaction, the irresistible instinct to act first and think later and the specific paranoia about Iraq is definitely interesting; whether it’s also true I can’t say. But that’s what historical fiction is all about, isn’t it?
If the book is a pretty classical historical fiction in the first half, it turns into an alternate history in the second (and that’s where it gets a trifle weaker); if the intent was the alert the reader about the risk of a president going rogue, well it ain't working as reality has by far surpassed imagination.
I thought the book was quite an easy read, maybe even too much for the grave and complex subject matter. I also found some of the dialogues kind of forced in order to make the characters look like what the author wanted.
While there is large consensus that, within the nefarious trio Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld, the former was the weak link, prey of the other two, there’s also evidence that Cheney was the leading force and Rumsfeld a sort of supporting act. Despite this, the one put under the spot in the book is Donald Rumsfeld.
Never mind this, the insight into Rumsfeld’s psyche, his contempt for the status quo, the fear of inaction, the irresistible instinct to act first and think later and the specific paranoia about Iraq is definitely interesting; whether it’s also true I can’t say. But that’s what historical fiction is all about, isn’t it?
If the book is a pretty classical historical fiction in the first half, it turns into an alternate history in the second (and that’s where it gets a trifle weaker); if the intent was the alert the reader about the risk of a president going rogue, well it ain't working as reality has by far surpassed imagination.
I thought the book was quite an easy read, maybe even too much for the grave and complex subject matter. I also found some of the dialogues kind of forced in order to make the characters look like what the author wanted.
October 7, 2025
Fast-paced political thriller
The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld is a fictional alternative history centered around 9/11 and the Iraq War. Donald Rumsfeld was Secretary of Defense, and in William Cooper’s book, eventually becomes US President.
Writing alternative history means exploring the “what ifs” of historical events. Cooper does so ably in a book that reads well, reminding me somewhat, in fact, of John Grisham’s work. His pacing is quick and informative.
The single drawback of the book is a mystery narrator who implausibly knows the inner thoughts of many characters in the book, things which I am sure they would never reveal to the narrator. Other than this, I enjoyed the book.
I hope that Cooper will continue writing political thriller fiction. I look forward to his next one.
The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld is a fictional alternative history centered around 9/11 and the Iraq War. Donald Rumsfeld was Secretary of Defense, and in William Cooper’s book, eventually becomes US President.
Writing alternative history means exploring the “what ifs” of historical events. Cooper does so ably in a book that reads well, reminding me somewhat, in fact, of John Grisham’s work. His pacing is quick and informative.
The single drawback of the book is a mystery narrator who implausibly knows the inner thoughts of many characters in the book, things which I am sure they would never reveal to the narrator. Other than this, I enjoyed the book.
I hope that Cooper will continue writing political thriller fiction. I look forward to his next one.
October 7, 2025
I was happy I won this book on Goodreads, as I am an avid history/political science fan and the premise was very interesting. It took me a minute to realize it was a fictionalized what-if scenario, and it was very well written. However, I was confused by the unreliable narrator, and I realize the identity was meant to be a surprise but it didn't work for me. I think I expected the narrator to have a larger role in the story, as the story alludes to the connection with Rumsfeld, and was surprised that it did not have a greater resolution. For that reason, I gave it three stars but without that narrator issue would have given it a higher rating.
December 16, 2025
Not my typical genre or read but this book was interesting! I won it for a giveaway and read it, outside of my usual genres of historical fiction and fantasy. It turned out to be a fictional telling of real events, ones I don’t often consider. I enjoyed learning about the intricacies of American politics through the intelligence and flaws of Donald H. Rumsfeld. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in the subject and anyone interested in branching out in inspiration of learning.
December 11, 2025
GREAT STORY!
It helped me understand who Donald H. Rumsfeld is! I didnt know who he was before reading this! Every educational! Their was no issues with this story! Im not really that much into politicians but I love thrillers! That's why I believe this story deserves a 3 star from me!
It helped me understand who Donald H. Rumsfeld is! I didnt know who he was before reading this! Every educational! Their was no issues with this story! Im not really that much into politicians but I love thrillers! That's why I believe this story deserves a 3 star from me!
September 3, 2025
💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
This was a complex read. An interesting story that holds your attention. Thank you to the author, William Cooper, for the copy of this book.
November 17, 2025
I received a complementary copy via Goodreads Giveaways. Historical fiction with elements of truth, fiction, and a bit of alternative history. Enjoyable read.
December 3, 2025
I won this in a giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
Riveting. Fabulous mix of fact and fiction.
December 20, 2025
4 stars.
Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I really found it extremely interesting and well written. Well done!
Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I really found it extremely interesting and well written. Well done!
November 25, 2025
Am updating to correct the release date, which was moved up to September 12. Thank you Goodreads community for your support. It's off to a great start.
Prologue
I knew Donald Rumsfeld well. His friends all called him Rummy. So did his enemies. Born outside of Chicago in 1933, Rummy entered Congress at the tender age of 29. After a few years in the Nixon administration, he became President Jerry Ford’s chief of staff and later his secretary of defense. Years later, after making millions in the private sector, President George W. Bush selected him to run the Pentagon again, where he prosecuted the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Not a bad resume for an ambitious fellow like Rummy. But this was all just
prelude to the real drama.
A series of unfortunate events in 2005 led to Rummy becoming president of the United States. While the path there was twisted and scandalous, he made it to the top, like he always dreamed he would. His first order as commander in chief—to invade Iran—was a disaster. And Barack Obama came along a few years later and walloped him at the polls. Rummy had big plans for a second term that never came to be.
His story, however, didn’t end there. While his rise was stratospheric—from an unknown kid in the Chicago suburbs to the president of the United States—his fall was just as extreme. Rummy ultimately became the most prominent victim of Donald J. Trump’s presidential wrath.
What follows is all this in detail, plus much more. It’s Rummy’s life story: the ups, the downs, the shock, the awe. The big parts—the ones that mattered most to him and to the world. A great deal has been told before, in newspapers, classrooms, and history books. But much is revealed here for the first time. I’ve included some words of wisdom (and, in retrospect, irony) from Rummy himself, which are plucked from his famous book of axioms, Rumsfeld’s Rules.
Whether you love Rummy or hate him (few are in between) it’s one heck of a
story.
How do I fit in? Well, that will eventually become clear. Let’s just say, for now, that I had a little bone to pick with Rummy, and shedding some light on his life isn’t just good for the world. It’s good for me, too.
Prologue
I knew Donald Rumsfeld well. His friends all called him Rummy. So did his enemies. Born outside of Chicago in 1933, Rummy entered Congress at the tender age of 29. After a few years in the Nixon administration, he became President Jerry Ford’s chief of staff and later his secretary of defense. Years later, after making millions in the private sector, President George W. Bush selected him to run the Pentagon again, where he prosecuted the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Not a bad resume for an ambitious fellow like Rummy. But this was all just
prelude to the real drama.
A series of unfortunate events in 2005 led to Rummy becoming president of the United States. While the path there was twisted and scandalous, he made it to the top, like he always dreamed he would. His first order as commander in chief—to invade Iran—was a disaster. And Barack Obama came along a few years later and walloped him at the polls. Rummy had big plans for a second term that never came to be.
His story, however, didn’t end there. While his rise was stratospheric—from an unknown kid in the Chicago suburbs to the president of the United States—his fall was just as extreme. Rummy ultimately became the most prominent victim of Donald J. Trump’s presidential wrath.
What follows is all this in detail, plus much more. It’s Rummy’s life story: the ups, the downs, the shock, the awe. The big parts—the ones that mattered most to him and to the world. A great deal has been told before, in newspapers, classrooms, and history books. But much is revealed here for the first time. I’ve included some words of wisdom (and, in retrospect, irony) from Rummy himself, which are plucked from his famous book of axioms, Rumsfeld’s Rules.
Whether you love Rummy or hate him (few are in between) it’s one heck of a
story.
How do I fit in? Well, that will eventually become clear. Let’s just say, for now, that I had a little bone to pick with Rummy, and shedding some light on his life isn’t just good for the world. It’s good for me, too.
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