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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President George W. Bush nominated Elaine L. Chao to be Secretary of Labor following the withdrawal of his previous nominee, Linda Chavez.
Linda Chavez withdrew her nomination for Secretary of Labor after media reports raised questions about her past employment of an undocumented worker and inconsistencies in her public statements.
Linda Chavez withdrew her nomination for Secretary of Labor after press reports that she had employed an undocumented immigrant and faced questions about her personal finances and prior statements.
President George W. Bush nominated Miguel A. Estrada to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Following intense diplomatic negotiations and delivery of a U.S. diplomatic communication, Chinese authorities released the crew of the EP-3 and allowed them to return to the United States.
A U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft collided with a People's Liberation Army J-8 fighter and made an emergency landing on Hainan Island, while the Chinese pilot was lost, triggering a diplomatic standoff.
President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress to present his early legislative priorities, emphasizing proposed tax cuts and a major education-reform agenda that would form the basis of No Child Left Behind.
The U.S. Senate confirmed former Missouri Governor John Ashcroft to be Attorney General in President George W. Bush’s cabinet.
The administration announced the reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, denying U.S. global health funds to foreign NGOs that provide or promote abortion.
After his Senate confirmation, Colin Powell was formally sworn in and assumed office as U.S. Secretary of State on Inauguration Day.
Alberto R. Gonzales took office as White House Counsel for the George W. Bush administration on January 20, 2001.
Paul H. O'Neill was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury on President George W. Bush's first day in office.