George W. Bush — 43rd U.S. President (2001

President Details

President Number: 43
Years in Office: 2001 - 2009
Term Dates: January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
Political Party: Republican
Vice President(s): Dick Cheney

Legacy Summary

Bush's presidency is most widely remembered for the response to the September 11 attacks, the launch of the global War on Terror, and military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Decisions on intelligence, national security, and counterterrorism had long-lasting international and political effects.

On the domestic front, his administration passed major laws including the No Child Left Behind education reform and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, and he appointed two Supreme Court justices. The 2008 financial crisis and emergency responses also significantly influenced assessments of his record.

Notable Actions

Led U.S. response to 9/11 and launched the War on Terror; Ordered U.S. invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003); Enacted No Child Left Behind education reform (2001); Created Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit (2003); Appointed Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito; Responded to the 2008 financial crisis, including signing the TARP bailout

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 307 entries.

Browse full timeline

August 31, 2004 • George W. Bush

Speech

Bush delivers acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention

President George W. Bush delivered his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Madison Square Garden, formally accepting the GOP nomination for a second term and laying out his record and campaign priorities.

Republican National Convention opens in New York City

August 30, 2004 • George W. Bush

Election / Transition

Republican National Convention opens in New York City

The 2004 Republican National Convention opened at Madison Square Garden in New York City, launching the formal four-day event to renominate President George W. Bush and promote the Bush–Cheney re-election campaign.

Ceasefire reached in Najaf ending major combat between coalition forces and the Mahdi Army

August 27, 2004 • George W. Bush

Military Action

Ceasefire reached in Najaf ending major combat between coalition forces and the Mahdi Army

On August 27, 2004, a ceasefire mediated by Iraqi clerics and the interim Iraqi government took effect in Najaf, bringing an end to weeks of intense combat between coalition forces and the Mahdi Army.

President Bush visits Florida to survey Hurricane Charley damage and meet local officials

August 14, 2004 • George W. Bush

Crisis Response

President Bush visits Florida to survey Hurricane Charley damage and meet local officials

Bush traveled to hard-hit communities in Florida to view damage, meet with Governor Jeb Bush and local officials, and pledge federal support for relief and rebuilding.

Hurricane Charley makes landfall in Florida; President authorizes federal assistance

August 13, 2004 • George W. Bush

Crisis Response

Hurricane Charley makes landfall in Florida; President authorizes federal assistance

Hurricane Charley struck southwest Florida as a powerful hurricane, and the Bush administration authorized federal disaster assistance to support state and local response and recovery efforts.

Battle of Najaf begins between U.S./Iraqi forces and Muqtada al‑Sadr's Mahdi Army

August 5, 2004 • George W. Bush

Military Action

Battle of Najaf begins between U.S./Iraqi forces and Muqtada al‑Sadr's Mahdi Army

On August 5, 2004, heavy fighting broke out in Najaf as U.S. and Iraqi forces engaged Muqtada al‑Sadr's Mahdi Army in and around the city and the Imam Ali shrine.

John Kerry formally accepts Democratic nomination at the DNC

July 29, 2004 • George W. Bush

Election / Transition

John Kerry formally accepts Democratic nomination at the DNC

On July 29, 2004, Senator John Kerry delivered his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston after being formally nominated as the Democratic candidate for president, with Senator John Edwards as his running mate.

9/11 Commission releases final report and President Bush responds

July 22, 2004 • George W. Bush

Crisis Response

9/11 Commission releases final report and President Bush responds

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States published its final report on July 22, 2004; President George W. Bush issued a public response accepting many recommendations and calling for reforms.

President Bush signs the Project BioShield Act into law

July 21, 2004 • George W. Bush

Legislation

President Bush signs the Project BioShield Act into law

President George W. Bush signed the Project BioShield Act of 2004, granting the federal government new authorities and funding to accelerate development and procurement of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

NATO Istanbul Summit — allied commitments on Afghanistan and partnership initiatives

June 29, 2004 • George W. Bush

Foreign Policy

NATO Istanbul Summit — allied commitments on Afghanistan and partnership initiatives

President Bush attended the NATO summit in Istanbul where member states endorsed a larger NATO role in Afghanistan, agreed to enhanced partnership efforts, and discussed post‑9/11 security priorities.

June 28, 2004 • George W. Bush

Judicial

Supreme Court decides Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

In Hamdi v. Rumsfeld the Supreme Court held that a U.S. citizen detained as an 'enemy combatant' must be afforded due process to challenge his detention before a neutral decisionmaker.

June 28, 2004 • George W. Bush

Judicial

Supreme Court decides Rasul v. Bush

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Rasul v. Bush that federal courts have jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus petitions filed by foreign nationals held at Guantanamo Bay.

← Back to Timeline