The presidency
After September 11, Bush directed military action against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 rested partly on claims about weapons of mass destruction that were not substantiated by subsequent searches. His administration also expanded Medicare drug coverage and launched a major global HIV/AIDS initiative. The 2008 financial crisis required emergency intervention near the end of his term.
Before the White House
New Haven, Connecticut
Born July 6, 1946.
Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up largely in Texas. He graduated from Yale and Harvard Business School, worked in business, and became governor of Texas. He won the presidency after the disputed 2000 election was resolved through recount litigation and the Supreme Court’s decision in Bush v. Gore.
Key moments
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Born in New Haven, Connecticut
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Responded to the September 11 attacks.
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Launched the PEPFAR global AIDS initiative.
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Signed Medicare prescription-drug coverage.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
No Child Left Behind Act
Expanded federal testing and accountability requirements in public education.
Medicare Modernization Act
Created Medicare’s prescription-drug benefit, known as Part D.
Global HIV/AIDS legislation
Authorized the major international response associated with PEPFAR, providing treatment, prevention, and care.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
Authorized the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the financial crisis.
Legacy
PEPFAR became a major contribution to global public health. His presidency also left profound debates about war, intelligence, detention, interrogation, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
The Iraq invasion relied on claims about weapons that were not found.
In their words
“Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character.”First Inaugural Address · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
This excerpt is attributed to George W. Bush in the Miller Center’s biography. Its source is identified there as “First Inaugural Address.” Read the source alongside the record of the presidency.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was George W. Bush born?
New Haven, Connecticut.
When did this president serve?
2001–2009.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
No Child Left Behind Act. Expanded federal testing and accountability requirements in public education.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
PEPFAR became a major contribution to global public health. His presidency also left profound debates about war, intelligence, detention, interrogation, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.