Major Controversies Surrounding Barbara Bush: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Barbara Bush.

Barbara Bush (1925-2018) was First Lady of the United States (1989-1993), wife of President George H.W. Bush, and Second Lady (1981-1989) during his vice presidency. She is one of only two women, along with Abigail Adams, to be both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents (George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush). She was also the mother of Jeb Bush, a former Governor of Florida. As First Lady, she was known for her accessible, grandmotherly image and her dedication to literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1980: Reconciling beliefs surrounding abortion

In 1980, during the presidential campaign, Barbara Bush privately reconciled her beliefs surrounding abortion, concluding that the soul enters the body at birth, making abortion morally permissible. She believed it should be federally funded and government action should focus on education.

1984: Barbara Bush Campaigns for Her Husband's Reelection

In 1984, Barbara Bush campaigned for her husband's reelection as Vice President. She became known for her self-deprecating sense of humor. During the campaign, she apologized after a comment regarding Geraldine Ferraro. Barbara orchestrated a meeting to ensure George appeared on the cover of the Republican National Committee's First Monday magazine.

1988: Nancy Reagan Criticizes Barbara Bush

The day after returning to Houston, the Bushes learned that Nancy Reagan had called into ABC News to criticize them, saying that Barbara had lied about not receiving a tour of the White House in 1988 and falsely stating that the Bushes never invited the Reagans to a state dinner. Barbara corrected the falsehoods and ended communication with Nancy.

June 1, 1990: Bush Gives Commencement Speech at Wellesley College

On June 1, 1990, Barbara Bush gave a commencement speech at Wellesley College. The speech was controversial among students. Bush invited Raisa Gorbacheva to join her. She was well-received for her message of prioritizing personal fulfillment and relationships.

1990: Critical of Donald Trump

Dating back to 1990, Barbara Bush was highly critical of Donald Trump, even before his political career began.

1992: Accused Pat Buchanan of using "racist code words"

In 1992, When Pat Buchanan challenged her husband in the primary elections on a nationalist anti-immigration platform, she accused him of using "racist code words".

2005: Controversy during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

In 2005, Barbara Bush toured Florida to promote Social Security reform. During her work supporting victims of Hurricane Katrina, she made a comment about those affected staying in Texas, which was deemed insensitive and reinforced the impression that the Bushes were out of touch.

2006: Criticism over Katrina Fund donation

In 2006, it was revealed that Barbara Bush donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Bush–Clinton Katrina Fund on the condition that the charity do business with an educational software company owned by her son Neil, leading to criticism.

2010: Controversy over George W.'s anecdote

In 2010, Barbara Bush was the subject of controversy when George W. recounted an anecdote that following her miscarriage she had held the fetus in a jar, causing a misconception that she had kept or displayed the remains.