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 Senate Judiciary Committee began public hearings to consider President Bush's nominee, John G. Roberts Jr., for Chief Justice of the United States.
FEMA Director Michael D. Brown submitted his resignation amid intense criticism of the agency's response to Hurricane Katrina, and the White House accepted it.
After Rehnquist's death, President Bush formally nominated John G. Roberts Jr. to be Chief Justice of the United States on September 6, 2005.
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died on September 3, 2005, creating a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.
On September 2, 2005, President George W. Bush toured areas of Mississippi and Alabama hit by Hurricane Katrina and during remarks praised FEMA director Michael D. Brown, saying, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."
On August 31, 2005, President George W. Bush flew over the Gulf Coast on Air Force One to view Hurricane Katrina's damage, including flooding in New Orleans.
On August 30, President Bush approved major disaster declarations and authorized federal assistance to support recovery efforts in states battered by Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, producing storm surge that breached levees and caused widespread flooding and destruction across coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama—most severely inundating New Orleans.
President Bush issued a federal emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana under the Stafford Act as Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast.
President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a comprehensive bill providing tax incentives, loan guarantees, and regulatory changes to promote energy production, efficiency, and alternative fuels.
After a contentious confirmation process, the U.S. Senate confirmed John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved implementing legislation for the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), a trade priority supported by President Bush.