Former President George W. Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush, was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in Texas and went on to attend Yale University and Harvard Business School before entering the oil industry.
Bush's political career began in 1994 when he was elected governor of Texas. He served two terms before running for president in 2000 as the Republican candidate. After a controversial election that included a Supreme Court decision, Bush was sworn in as the 43rd president of the United States on January 20, 2001.
During his presidency, Bush faced significant challenges, including the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He responded by launching the War on Terror, which included the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. The decision to invade Iraq, based on faulty intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, remains one of the most contentious aspects of his presidency.
Despite criticism for his handling of the Iraq War and the global financial crisis of 2008, Bush also had some successes during his time in office. He signed the No Child Left Behind Act, which aimed to improve education standards, and implemented tax cuts that some credit with boosting the economy.
After leaving office in 2009, Bush largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on his presidential library and painting. His artwork gained attention and praise, with a collection of his portraits being displayed at Walt Disney World.
In recent years, Bush has occasionally spoken out on political issues, including condemning the violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He has also worked on humanitarian efforts, such as providing aid to veterans and supporting healthcare initiatives in Africa.
Despite his efforts to rehabilitate his image post-presidency, George W. Bush remains a polarizing figure in American politics. His legacy is still debated, with some viewing him as a decisive leader in a time of crisis and others criticizing his decisions and policies.
