George W. Bush is an American politician, businessman, author and former military pilot who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A Republican from Texas, Bush entered the White House after serving as the 46th governor of Texas and became only the second U.S. president, after John Quincy Adams, to be the son of a former president. His father, George H. W. Bush, was the 41st president.

Bush’s presidency was defined by some of the most consequential events of the early 21st century. His administration responded to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, launched the war in Afghanistan, invaded Iraq in 2003, created major new counterterrorism policies and established the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, commonly known as PEPFAR. At home, his administration pursued tax cuts, education reform and Medicare prescription-drug coverage.

His presidency remains deeply debated. Supporters point to economic growth before the 2008 financial crisis, education reforms, PEPFAR and his response to global health challenges. Critics have focused particularly on the Iraq War, the treatment of detainees in the war on terror, Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis that emerged near the end of his presidency.

Since leaving the White House, Bush has largely moved away from day-to-day partisan politics. He has become known for painting, writing, philanthropy, public speaking and work through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.

Who Is George W. Bush?

George Walker Bush is the 43rd president of the United States and a member of one of America’s most prominent political families. He was born in Connecticut but grew up primarily in Midland and Houston, Texas, after his family moved to Texas when he was young. His father, George H. W. Bush, became a successful oil businessman before entering politics and eventually serving as vice president and president. His grandfather, Prescott Bush, was a U.S. senator from Connecticut.

Before entering the White House, George W. Bush worked in the Texas oil industry, became a part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise and served two terms as governor of Texas. His rise to the presidency made him the second presidential son in American history to become president, following John Quincy Adams, whose father, John Adams, had also served as president.

George W. Bush Age and Early Life

George Walker Bush is 80 years old as of 2026. He was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut. His father was attending Yale University at the time of his birth. The Bush family moved to Texas in 1948, when George was still a young child. He spent much of his childhood in Midland, where his father entered the oil business, and later in Houston.

Bush was the eldest son of George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. He grew up with several siblings, including Jeb Bush, who later became governor of Florida and a presidential candidate, as well as Neil, Marvin and Dorothy.

The family experienced a major tragedy in 1953 when Bush’s younger sister Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush died of leukemia at the age of four. The loss had a lasting effect on the Bush family. The George W. Bush Presidential Library records that Robin died after battling leukemia. Bush later attended boarding school in Massachusetts before moving on to Yale University.

George W. Bush Family and Parents

George W. Bush was born into a family with a long history of American business and public service. His father, George H. W. Bush, served as vice president under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989 and then as the 41st president from 1989 to 1993. His grandfather, Prescott Bush, represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate.

His mother, Barbara Bush, became one of the best-known first ladies in American history. George W. Bush was particularly close to his parents. His father’s political career exposed him to national politics from an early age, but Bush eventually developed his own political identity in Texas. His younger brother Jeb Bush also became a major political figure, serving as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007.

The Bush family remains one of the most recognizable political families in modern American history.

George W. Bush Education

Bush attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, graduating in 1964. He then followed the family tradition and attended Yale University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1968. At Yale, Bush was involved in campus social life and became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

After Yale, he served in the Texas Air National Guard before returning to higher education. In 1973, he entered Harvard Business School and earned a Master of Business Administration in 1975. This made him the first U.S. president to hold an MBA. His business education became useful when he returned to Texas and entered the oil industry.

George W. Bush Military Service

After graduating from Yale, Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard in 1968. He trained as an F-102 fighter pilot and served in Texas and Alabama. The George W. Bush Presidential Library states that he served in the Air National Guard from 1968 to 1973, while other official records note that his overall military obligation ended with his honorable discharge in November 1974.

His military service later became a subject of political debate, particularly during his presidential campaigns, when questions were raised about the details of his service. Nevertheless, Bush’s experience as a military pilot became an important part of his personal identity and later influenced his relationship with the armed forces as president.

George W. Bush Early Business Career

After receiving his MBA from Harvard, Bush returned to Texas and entered the oil and energy business. In 1977, he founded Arbusto Energy, an oil exploration company. He subsequently worked with other energy ventures during a difficult period for the Texas oil industry.

His early business career was not an overwhelming financial success, and several of his ventures struggled during the downturn in the Texas energy sector. However, the experience gave him business contacts and helped establish his reputation in Texas. Bush later moved increasingly toward politics, particularly as his father became a major national Republican figure.

George W. Bush and the Texas Rangers

One of the most important steps in Bush’s rise to public prominence came in 1989, when he became part of an investment group that purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise. Bush became the team’s managing general partner and remained closely associated with the Rangers for several years.

His involvement with the baseball team dramatically increased his public profile in Texas. The Rangers also helped Bush build relationships with business leaders and politicians. Although his financial stake in the franchise was relatively small compared with the total investment group, the eventual sale of the team provided Bush with a substantial financial return.

George W. Bush as Governor of Texas

Bush ran for governor of Texas in 1994 and defeated incumbent Democrat Ann Richards. He became the 46th governor of Texas in January 1995. Bush was reelected in 1998, becoming the first Texas governor to win consecutive four-year terms after the state’s gubernatorial term length had been changed.

As governor, Bush promoted a political philosophy he described as “compassionate conservatism.” His administration focused on education, criminal justice, tax policy and economic development. One of his signature education initiatives was the use of standardized testing and accountability measures. His Texas education record later became an important foundation for the No Child Left Behind Act, one of the major domestic initiatives of his presidency. His success as governor transformed him into a leading Republican presidential candidate.

George W. Bush Presidential Campaign

Bush announced his candidacy for president ahead of the 2000 election. The Republican primary campaign eventually became a contest between Bush and Arizona senator John McCain, with Bush winning the nomination. His Democratic opponent in the general election was Vice President Al Gore.

The 2000 election became one of the closest and most controversial presidential contests in American history. The election ultimately came down to Florida, where the result was disputed and a recount and legal battle followed. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bush v. Gore effectively ended the recount, and Bush was declared the winner of the Electoral College.

He was inaugurated as the 43rd president on January 20, 2001.

George W. Bush as President

George W. Bush served two terms, from 2001 through January 20, 2009. His initial domestic agenda focused on tax cuts, education reform, Medicare and economic policy. However, the direction of his presidency changed dramatically less than eight months after he took office.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, transformed Bush’s presidency and American foreign policy. National security, terrorism and military operations became dominant issues throughout the remainder of his administration. Bush was reelected in 2004, defeating Democratic senator John Kerry.

His second term included continued wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, debates over immigration and domestic surveillance, Hurricane Katrina, the financial crisis and major changes in American foreign policy.

George W. Bush and September 11

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks became the defining event of Bush’s presidency. Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York, another struck the Pentagon and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to retake the plane.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed. Bush addressed the nation and declared that the United States would pursue those responsible. His administration subsequently created the Department of Homeland Security, expanded federal counterterrorism programs and passed the USA PATRIOT Act. The attacks also led directly to the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.

George W. Bush and the War in Afghanistan

The United States invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban government that had provided sanctuary to Osama bin Laden and his organization. The initial military campaign rapidly removed the Taliban from power. However, the conflict evolved into a prolonged war involving insurgency, nation-building and counterterrorism operations.

Bush’s administration worked with international allies to establish a new Afghan government and rebuild institutions. Although the Taliban was removed from national power initially, the group eventually regrouped and remained a significant force for years. The war ultimately continued long after Bush left office.

George W. Bush and the Iraq War

The Iraq War became one of the most controversial decisions of Bush’s presidency. In 2003, Bush’s administration argued that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and represented a threat to international security. The United States invaded Iraq in March 2003.

Saddam Hussein’s government collapsed rapidly, but no active stockpiles of the weapons of mass destruction described by the administration were found. The war subsequently became a prolonged conflict involving insurgency, sectarian violence and significant loss of life. Supporters argued that removing Saddam Hussein eliminated a brutal dictator and created the possibility of a democratic Iraq.

Critics argued that the invasion was based on flawed intelligence, destabilized the region and imposed enormous human and financial costs. The Iraq War remains one of the most important parts of Bush’s historical legacy.

George W. Bush Domestic Policies

Although foreign policy dominated his presidency, Bush also pursued a significant domestic agenda. One of his most important initiatives was the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which expanded federal involvement in public education and required states to establish testing and accountability systems. The Bush Presidential Center describes it as his first major presidential initiative.

Bush also signed major tax cuts during his presidency. Another important domestic achievement was the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which created a prescription-drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries.

His administration also promoted homeownership and changes to federal financial and housing policies. However, his presidency ended during the 2008 financial crisis, which severely damaged the economy and became a major political liability for Republicans.

George W. Bush and PEPFAR

One of the less controversial and most internationally significant parts of Bush’s presidency was his global health work. In 2003, his administration launched PEPFAR — the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The initiative dramatically increased U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center says the initiative and related global health programs have helped save millions of lives, particularly through HIV/AIDS and malaria efforts. PEPFAR became one of the largest international public-health programs ever created by a single country. It remains an important part of Bush’s legacy, particularly in Africa.

George W. Bush Wife

George W. Bush has been married to Laura Welch Bush since November 5, 1977. Laura Bush was born in Midland, Texas, and worked as a teacher and librarian before becoming first lady. The couple met in Midland and married after a relatively short courtship.

Laura became first lady of Texas when Bush became governor and later served as first lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009. As first lady, Laura Bush focused particularly on literacy, education and women’s health. The couple has remained married for nearly five decades.

George W. Bush Children and Family

George and Laura Bush have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, born in 1981. Barbara Bush married screenwriter Craig Coyne. Jenna Bush Hager became a television personality, author and journalist. She has been particularly well known for her work on NBC’s Today.

The Bush family has expanded through grandchildren. The George W. Bush Presidential Center currently identifies five grandchildren: Mila, Poppy and Hal Hager, and Cora and Edward Finn Coyne. Bush has generally maintained a close relationship with his daughters and grandchildren, and his post-presidential life has placed greater emphasis on family than on electoral politics.

George W. Bush Height

George W. Bush stands at approximately 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 meters) tall.

George W. Bush Net Worth

George Bush has an estimated net worth of $40 million to $50 million. His wealth comes from early business investments, proceeds from selling his stake in the Texas Rangers baseball team, and post-presidency income from books and paid public speaking engagements.

George W. Bush Salary

George W. Bush’s presidential salary was $400,000 per year during his presidency. He also received an expense allowance and other benefits associated with serving as president. After leaving office, Bush became eligible for the federal pension provided to former presidents under the Former Presidents Act. The pension is tied to the pay of Cabinet-level officials and changes as that compensation changes.

His current income is more complicated because it includes his former-president pension and private earnings from books, speaking engagements and other activities. A former president’s pension should not be confused with the government’s separate funding for former-presidential offices, staff and related expenses.

George W. Bush Books

Bush became a successful author after leaving office. His major books include:

Decision Points

Published in 2010, Decision Points is Bush’s presidential memoir. The book discusses major events of his presidency, including September 11, Afghanistan, Iraq and other major policy decisions.

41: A Portrait of My Father

Published in 2014, the book is a personal account of George H. W. Bush and provides insight into the relationship between the two presidents.

Portraits of Courage

Published in 2017, the book contains paintings Bush created of military veterans. It reflected his growing interest in painting after leaving the White House.

Out of Many, One

Published in 2021, the book features Bush’s paintings of immigrants and stories about their experiences in America.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center lists all four as bestselling books.

George W. Bush After the Presidency

After leaving the White House in January 2009, Bush largely withdrew from partisan politics. He and Laura Bush established the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, which includes his presidential library and museum as well as the George W. Bush Institute. The Bush Institute focuses on leadership, policy, democracy, global health and other issues.

Bush also became increasingly interested in painting.

He initially learned to paint as a hobby and eventually developed a serious artistic practice. His paintings have been displayed publicly, particularly his portraits of military veterans and immigrants.

His post-presidential image has consequently been quite different from his political persona.

What Is George W. Bush Doing Now?

As of 2026, George W. Bush continues to be active through the George W. Bush Presidential Center, philanthropic projects, public appearances, writing and painting.

The Bush Center remains his principal institutional base in Dallas and continues to work on leadership, democracy, global health and policy issues. Its current programming includes international and domestic policy discussions as well as exhibitions connected to Bush’s artwork.

Bush has largely avoided returning to electoral politics. Instead, his post-presidential life has centered on his family, art, veterans’ initiatives, global health and his presidential library and foundation work. He is also frequently seen at major national events alongside other former presidents and members of the Bush family.

After eight years in the White House, Bush has developed a quieter public identity, but his presidency remains highly relevant to discussions of American foreign policy, terrorism, the Middle East, education and executive power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is George W. Bush?

George W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, making him 80 years old in 2026.

Who is George W. Bush’s wife?

His wife is Laura Bush, a former teacher and librarian. They married in 1977.

How many children does George W. Bush have?

George and Laura Bush have two children, twin daughters Barbara and Jenna, who were born in 1981.

What is George W. Bush’s net worth?

His exact wealth is private. A reasonable 2026 estimate is approximately $40 million, based on his business history, book earnings, speaking income and other reported sources.

How tall is George W. Bush?

George W. Bush is approximately 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 meters) tall.

When was George W. Bush president?

He served as the 43rd president of the United States from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009.

Who was George W. Bush’s father?

His father was George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. His mother was former first lady Barbara Bush.

What is George W. Bush best known for?

He is best known for serving as president during the September 11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, major education reforms, tax cuts and the creation of PEPFAR.

Is George W. Bush related to Jeb Bush?

Yes. Jeb Bush is George W. Bush’s younger brother. Jeb served as governor of Florida and later ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

Where does George W. Bush live now?

George is based in Dallas, Texas, where the George W. Bush Presidential Center is located.

What does George W. Bush do now?

He remains involved in the work of his presidential center and institute, philanthropy, writing, public appearances and painting. He has become particularly well known for his portraits of military veterans and immigrants.