Bush also defended the NSA's surveillance program. Bush: Snowden 'damaged' security

NSA leaker Edward Snowden damaged the “security of the country,” former President George W. Bush said in an interview that aired Monday.

Bush did not directly say whether he thinks Snowden can be labeled a “traitor” but said he knows the country has been hurt as a result of the leaks.


“I think he damaged the security of the country,” Bush said on CNN while visiting Africa, adding that President Barack Obama will deal with the situation.

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Bush also defended the surveillance program, which began during his administration after Sept. 11, saying the programs guarantee civil liberties are protected.

“I put the program in place to protect the country and one of the certainties is civil liberties were guaranteed,” Bush said.

He went on to say there needs to be a balance between security and privacy when protecting the country. “I think there needs to be a balance, and I think as the president explained there’s a proper balance,” he said.

The former president also took the time to express his respect for the ailing South African revolutionary icon, Nelson Mandela.

“Sometimes there are leaders who come and go, his legacy will last for a long time,” Bush said.

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When asked about Mandela’s past criticisms of his handling of the U.S., the former president brushed it off with a laugh.

“He wasn’t the only guy [criticizing],” he said. “It’s okay, I didn’t look at him any differently because he didn’t agree with me on an issue.”

Breanna Edwards contributed to this report.