George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009. A Republican and former governor of Texas, his presidency was shaped by the response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and consequential domestic policies.
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.
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
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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The Coalition Provisional Authority formally transferred authority to Iraq's interim government led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on June 28, 2004, ending the CPA's direct rule.
President George W. Bush attended the state funeral for former President Ronald Reagan at the Washington National Cathedral and delivered a eulogy.
President George W. Bush hosted the G8 leaders at Sea Island, Georgia (June 8–10), culminating in a communiqué committing to debt relief for poorest countries, increased aid for Africa, and cooperation on global trade and security issues including Iraq and terror financing.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1546, endorsing the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi interim government and supporting a multinational force to assist Iraq's transition.
President George W. Bush traveled to Normandy, France, to join international leaders in ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings and delivered remarks honoring Allied veterans.
Former President Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004; President George W. Bush issued a public statement mourning Reagan and ordered flags lowered to half-staff.
On May 1, 2004, President George W. Bush issued a White House statement congratulating the ten countries that joined the European Union in the largest single expansion of the bloc.
On April 30, U.S. commanders suspended offensive operations in Fallujah and agreed to a truce that turned security responsibility over to an Iraqi-run force under a brokered agreement.
On April 28, major media outlets made public photographs showing U.S. military personnel abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad.
On April 4, 2004, supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army launched uprisings across parts of southern Iraq and Baghdad, producing intense clashes in Najaf and Sadr City with U.S. and Iraqi forces.
On April 4, U.S. Marines and coalition forces launched Operation Vigilant Resolve to retake the city of Fallujah from insurgents following the March 31 killing of four American contractors.
President George W. Bush signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, establishing that a fetus is a legal victim if injured or killed during the commission of certain federal crimes.