Career Timeline of George W. Bush: Major Achievements and Milestones

How George W. Bush built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Prior to his presidency, he was the 46th Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. As president, he launched the War on Terror in response to the September 11 attacks, leading to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, he enacted education reform legislation known as No Child Left Behind, as well as tax cuts and reforms to Medicare. His presidency was marked by significant events including Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis of 2008.

Sections (7)

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

May 1968: Commissioned into the Texas Air National Guard

In May 1968, George W. Bush was commissioned into the Texas Air National Guard.

1972: Suspension from Flying

In 1972, George W. Bush was suspended from flying for failure to take a scheduled physical exam.

1973: Drilling with the Alabama Air National Guard

In early 1973, George W. Bush drilled with the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard, while working on Winton M. Blount's Senate campaign.

November 21, 1974: Honorable Discharge from Air Force Reserve

On November 21, 1974, George W. Bush was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.

1975: Graduation from Harvard Business School

In 1975, George W. Bush graduated from Harvard Business School after entering in the fall of 1973.

1977: Establishment of Arbusto Energy

In 1977, George W. Bush established Arbusto Energy, a small oil exploration company.

1978: Arbusto Energy Begins Operations

In 1978, Arbusto Energy, George W. Bush's oil exploration company, began operations.

1978: Run for U.S. House of Representatives

In 1978, George W. Bush ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 19th congressional district but lost the election to Kent Hance.

1984: Merger with Spectrum 7

In 1984, George W. Bush's company, Bush Exploration, merged with Spectrum 7, and Bush became chairman.

1988: Move to Washington, D.C. for Father's Campaign

In 1988, George W. Bush and his family moved to Washington, D.C., to work on his father's campaign for the U.S. presidency.

April 1989: Purchase of Texas Rangers Controlling Interest

In April 1989, George W. Bush arranged for a group of investors to purchase a controlling interest in the Texas Rangers, investing $500,000 himself.

December 1991: Appointment to Father's Re-election Campaign

In December 1991, George W. Bush was named to run his father's 1992 presidential re-election campaign as a campaign advisor.

1992: Father's Re-election Campaign

In 1992, George W. Bush assisted his father by campaigning across the country for his father's presidential re-election campaign.

1994: Candidacy for Texas Governor

In 1994, George W. Bush declared his candidacy for the Texas gubernatorial election.

1994: Election as Governor of Texas

In 1994, George W. Bush was elected as the governor of Texas.

1995: Dickey-Wicker Amendment forbids federal funding for embryo research

Since the passage of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment in 1995, federal funding for medical research involving the creation or destruction of human embryos through the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health has been forbidden by law.

1998: Re-election as Governor of Texas

In 1998, George W. Bush won re-election as governor of Texas with a record 68 percent of the vote.

1998: Sale of Texas Rangers Shares

In 1998, George W. Bush's sale of his shares in the Texas Rangers brought him over $15 million from his initial investment.

1999: Signing of Renewable Energy Law

In 1999, George W. Bush signed a law that required electric retailers to buy a certain amount of energy from renewable sources.

July 25, 2000: Selection of Dick Cheney as Running Mate

On July 25, 2000, George W. Bush selected Dick Cheney as his running mate for the presidential election.

2000: Presidential Campaign

By early 2000, the presidential race had centered on George W. Bush and Arizona Senator John McCain, with Bush campaigning as a compassionate conservative.

2000: Victory in the Presidential Election

In 2000, George W. Bush won the presidential election against Al Gore after a contested Electoral College win.

2000: Focus of National Attention

Throughout George W. Bush's first term, he was the focus of national attention as a potential future presidential candidate and after his re-election in 1998, he decided to seek the 2000 Republican presidential nomination.

April 2001: Hainan Island incident

Following the stand-off in April 2001 with China over the Hainan Island incident, George W. Bush expressed U.S. support for the defense of Taiwan.

May 2001: Executive Order on Energy Projects

In May 2001, President Bush signed an executive order to create an interagency task force to streamline energy projects, and later signed two other executive orders to tackle environmental issues.

August 9, 2001: Executive Order: Lifting the ban on federal funding for stem cell research

On August 9, 2001, George W. Bush signed an executive order lifting the ban on federal funding for the 71 existing "lines" of stem cells.

2001: National Security Advisor Appointment

In 2001, Condoleezza Rice served as Bush's national security advisor.

2001: Bush's Tax Cut Plan

In 2001, President Bush proposed a $1.35 trillion tax cut program, citing that government surplus was the people's money. Despite warnings from Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan about a potential recession, Bush argued the tax cut would stimulate the economy. Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill expressed concerns about the tax cuts contributing to budget deficits and undermining Social Security.

November 2002: UN Weapons Inspectors in Iraq

In November 2002, Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei led UN weapons inspectors in Iraq, but were advised by the U.S. to depart the country four days prior to the U.S. invasion.

2002: Bush Proposes Clear Skies Act

In 2002, Bush proposed the Clear Skies Act of 2003, which aimed at amending the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution through the use of emissions trading programs.

2002: U.S. withdraws from Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia

In 2002, George W. Bush withdrew U.S. support for the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) with Russia. This marked the first time in post-World War II history that the United States had withdrawn from a major international arms treaty.

2002: No Child Left Behind Act Signed into Law

In early 2002, President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, a bipartisan education initiative aimed at closing the gap between rich and poor student performance, providing options to parents with students in low-performing schools, and targeting more federal funding to low-income schools.

January 2003: PEPFAR Announced

In January 2003, President Bush announced the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a five-year strategy for global emergency AIDS relief with $15 billion in funding.

March 20, 2003: Invasion of Iraq

On March 20, 2003, the United States, along with a coalition of nations, initiated the invasion of Iraq.

April 9, 2003: Fall of Baghdad

On April 9, 2003, Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, fell to U.S. and coalition forces during the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Medicare Act Signed

Following Republican efforts, President Bush signed the Medicare Act of 2003, which included changes to the Medicare program by providing beneficiaries with assistance in paying for prescription drugs, while relying on private insurance for the delivery of benefits.

2003: U.S. military intervention in Haiti

From 2003 to 2004, George W. Bush authorized U.S. military intervention in Haiti to protect U.S. interests.

2003: Initiation of President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, George W. Bush initiated the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and ordered the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Another Tax Cut Passed

In 2003, the economy showed signs of improvement, and another tax cut was passed.

2004: U.S. military intervention in Liberia

From 2003 to 2004, George W. Bush authorized U.S. military intervention in Liberia to protect U.S. interests.

2004: Bush's Re-election Campaign

In 2004, George W. Bush sought re-election, supported by the Republican Party. Key figures like Ken Mehlman and Karl Rove managed the campaign. The platform focused on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the USA PATRIOT Act, abortion and same-sex marriage amendments, Social Security reform, an ownership society, and opposition to mandatory carbon emissions controls. A guest worker program for immigrants was also proposed.

2004: Re-election as President

In 2004, George W. Bush was re-elected as president, defeating John Kerry.

2004: CIA Director Resignation and Reorganization

In 2004, following the resignation of CIA director George Tenet, Bush nominated Porter Goss to lead the agency. The White House directed Goss to remove officers deemed disloyal, leading to the firing or resignation of many senior CIA agents. The CIA faced accusations of leaking classified information to influence the 2004 election.

January 2005: Elections in Iraq

In January 2005, elections recognized by the West as free and fair were held in Iraq for the first time in 50 years, leading to the election of Jalal Talabani as president and Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister.

July 19, 2005: Nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court

On July 19, 2005, President Bush nominated federal appellate judge John Roberts to replace retiring Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The nomination was later withdrawn after the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

September 29, 2005: John Roberts confirmed as Chief Justice

On September 29, 2005, John Roberts was confirmed by the Senate as the Chief Justice of the United States, after being nominated by President Bush following the death of William Rehnquist. Roberts' initial nomination was to replace Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

October 3, 2005: Nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court

On October 3, 2005, President Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to succeed Sandra Day O'Connor as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

October 2005: Referendum to approve a constitution in Iraq

In October 2005, a referendum to approve a constitution in Iraq was held, supported by most Shiites and many Kurds.

November 1, 2005: Launch of National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

On November 1, 2005, George W. Bush launched a National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.

2005: Secretary of State Appointment

In 2005, Condoleezza Rice served as Bush's secretary of state until 2009.

2005: Campaigning for Social Security Reform

In 2005, George W. Bush embarked on a 60-day national tour, campaigning for his initiative in media events known as "Conversations on Social Security" in an attempt to gain public support, but public support declined. House Republican leadership decided to drop Social Security reform as a priority, further diminished by fallout from Hurricane Katrina.

2005: Social Security Reform Initiative

In 2005, President Bush outlined a major initiative to reform Social Security, proposing partial privatization, personal Social Security accounts, and options for Americans to divert a portion of their Social Security tax into secured investments. This proposal faced opposition from Democrats.

January 31, 2006: Samuel Alito confirmed to the Supreme Court

On January 31, 2006, Samuel Alito was confirmed by the Senate to replace Sandra Day O'Connor as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, after Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination on October 27, 2005.

March 2006: Bush visits India to discuss nuclear energy

In March 2006, George W. Bush visited India in a trip focused particularly on areas of nuclear energy, counter-terrorism co-operation, and discussions that would eventually lead to the India–United States Civil Nuclear Agreement.

May 2006: Implementation plan published by the Homeland Security Council

In May 2006, an implementation plan for pandemic influenza, from the Homeland Security Council, was published.

July 19, 2006: Bush vetoes the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act

On July 19, 2006, George W. Bush used his veto power for the first time in his presidency to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

2006: Bush urges Congress to allow illegal immigrants to work in the U.S.

In 2006, George W. Bush urged Congress to allow more than twelve million illegal immigrants to work in the United States with the creation of a "temporary guest-worker program".

2006: State of the Union Address: "America is addicted to oil"

In the 2006 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush declared that "America is addicted to oil" and he launched his Advanced Energy Initiative to increase energy development research in 2006.

2006: Creation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Later in 2006, President Bush declared the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, creating the largest marine reserve to date. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument comprises 84 million acres and is home to 7,000 species.

January 10, 2007: Troop Surge in Iraq

On January 10, 2007, President Bush announced a surge of 21,500 more troops for Iraq, along with job programs and reconstruction proposals.

May 1, 2007: Veto of Troop Withdrawal Bill

On May 1, 2007, President Bush vetoed a bill setting a deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

May 7, 2007: North Korea Nuclear Reactor Shutdown Agreement

On May 7, 2007, North Korea agreed to shut down its nuclear reactors immediately pending the release of frozen funds held in a foreign bank account.

June 10, 2007: Bush visits Albania, supports Kosovo independence

On June 10, 2007, George W. Bush met with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and became the first president to visit Albania. He later voiced his support for the independence of Kosovo.

June 2007: Bush supports the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007

From May to June 2007, George W. Bush strongly supported the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which was written by a bipartisan group of Senators with the active participation of the Bush administration.

September 2, 2007: North Korea Nuclear Program Dismantlement Agreement

On September 2, 2007, North Korea agreed to disclose and dismantle all its nuclear programs by the end of 2007.

November 2007: Treasury Department Freezes Assets

In November 2007, the Treasury Department froze the assets of two Lebanese and two Syrians, accusing them of activities to "undermine the legitimate political process in Lebanon".

2007: State of the Union Address: Pledge to reduce reliance on foreign oil

During the 2007 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush renewed his pledge to diminish reliance on foreign oil by reducing fossil fuel consumption and increasing alternative fuel production in 2007.

March 2008: Bush Praises Iraqi Government

In March 2008, President Bush praised the Iraqi government's "bold decision" to launch the Battle of Basra against the Mahdi Army, calling it "a defining moment in the history of a free Iraq".

May 21, 2008: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Signed Into Law

On May 21, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, aimed to protect Americans against health insurance and employment discrimination based on a person's genetic information. This issue had been debated for 13 years before it became law.

June 2008: Bush urges Congress to expand domestic oil production

In June 2008, George W. Bush stated that the solution to high oil demand is to reduce demand for oil by promoting alternative energy technologies. He also urged Congress to expand domestic oil production during June 2008.

July 2008: Withdrawal of American Forces

By July 2008, American troop deaths had reached their lowest number since the war began, and due to increased stability in Iraq, Bush withdrew additional American forces.

2008: Bush vows support for Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO

In early 2008, George W. Bush vowed full support for admitting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO despite Russia's opposition to the further enlargement of NATO. During the 2008 Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis, Bush condemned Russia for recognizing the separatist government of South Ossetia.

2008: State of the Union Address: Commitment to clean energy technologies

In the 2008 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush committed $2 billion over the next three years to a new international fund to promote clean energy technologies and fight climate change in 2008.

2009: Condoleezza Rice's time as Secretary of State ends

In 2009, Condoleezza Rice's time as Secretary of State for George Bush ended.

January 2010: Establishment of Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

In January 2010, at President Obama's request, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to raise contributions for relief and recovery efforts following the 2010 Haiti earthquake earlier that month.

May 2, 2011: Notification of Osama bin Laden's Death

On May 2, 2011, President Obama called George W. Bush, who was at a restaurant with his wife, to inform him that Osama bin Laden had been killed.

2011: Disagreement with Obama's Troop Withdrawal

In 2011, George W. Bush vocally disagreed with President Obama's withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, calling it a "strategic blunder".

2012: Bush awarded the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana

In 2012, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves awarded Bush the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his work in expanding NATO.

November 19, 2013: Appearance on The Tonight Show

On November 19, 2013, George W. Bush and his wife Laura appeared on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Bush stated that he does not comment publicly about the Obama administration because he believes "it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor."

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2013: PEPFAR success in saving lives

By 2013, President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is estimated to have saved five million lives

2014: Forum on Education and Health & Biography Publication

In 2014, Alongside the United States–Africa Leaders Summit, Bush, Michelle Obama, the State Department, and the George W. Bush Institute hosted a daylong forum on education and health with the spouses of the African leaders attending the summit. On November 11, Bush published a biography of his father titled 41: A Portrait of My Father.

41: A Portrait of My Father

Check it on Amazon

June 12, 2015: Comments on ISIS and Troop Levels

In an interview published on June 12, 2015, by Israel Hayom magazine, George W. Bush stated that "boots on the ground" would be necessary to defeat ISIS. He also reflected on his own decision to send additional troops to Iraq to defeat Al Qaeda.

2016: Congratulations to Trump on Election Victory

After the 2016 elections, Bush, his father, and his brother Jeb called Trump on the phone to congratulate him on his victory.

2016: Support for Jeb Bush and Concerns About the Republican Party

During the early stages of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, George W. Bush campaigned for his brother Jeb Bush. After Donald Trump won the party's nomination, Bush refused to endorse Trump and did not attend the party's convention. Bush privately expressed concern that he would be the last Republican president and left his presidential ballot blank instead of voting for Trump.

January 20, 2017: Attendance at Trump's Inauguration and Post-Ceremony Comments

On January 20, 2017, George W. Bush and his wife attended Donald Trump's first inauguration. Images of Bush struggling to put on a rain poncho during the ceremony became an internet meme. While leaving the event, Bush allegedly described the ceremony, and Trump's inaugural address in particular, as "some weird shit".

February 2017: Release of Portraits of Courage

In February 2017, George W. Bush released a book of his own portraits of veterans called Portraits of Courage.

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors

Check it on Amazon

September 7, 2017: Partnership for One America Appeal

On September 7, 2017, George W. Bush partnered with former presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama to work with One America Appeal to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma in the Gulf Coast and Texas communities.

September 1, 2018: Eulogy at John McCain's Funeral

On September 1, 2018, George W. Bush and Laura Bush attended the funeral of John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Bush spoke.

May 2019: Drawing a Portrait of Roh Moo-hyun

In May 2019, on the tenth anniversary of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun's death, George W. Bush drew a portrait of Roh to give to his family.

May 2019: Visit to South Korea for Roh Moo-hyun's Anniversary

In May 2019, on the tenth anniversary of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun's death, George W. Bush visited South Korea to pay respects to Roh, delivering a short eulogy.

June 1, 2020: Statement on the Murder of George Floyd

On June 1, 2020, George W. Bush released a statement addressing the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide reaction and protests, where he and former first lady Laura Bush "are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country".

2020: Fundraising and Non-Attendance at Republican National Convention

In 2020, George W. Bush did not give any endorsements during the presidential election, but held a virtual fundraiser for U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Cory Gardner, Martha McSally, and Thom Tillis. He also did not attend the 2020 Republican National Convention.

January 6, 2021: Condemnation of the U.S. Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, following the U.S. Capitol attack, George W. Bush denounced the violence and attack alongside the three other living former presidents. Bush stated that "this is how election results are disputed in a banana republic, not our democratic republic", and that "it is a sickening and heartbreaking sight".

April 2021: Write-in Vote for Condoleezza Rice

In April 2021, George W. Bush told People magazine that he did not vote for either Trump or Biden in the 2020 election. Instead, he wrote in Condoleezza Rice.

July 14, 2021: Reaffirmation of Opposition to Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

During an interview with Deutsche Welle on July 14, 2021, George W. Bush reaffirmed his opposition to President Biden's withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, calling the plan "a mistake".

September 11, 2021: Speech at Flight 93 National Memorial

On September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, George W. Bush gave a speech at the Flight 93 National Memorial, praising the heroism of the people on Flight 93 and the spirit of America.

2023: PEPFAR Successes

By 2023, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was estimated to have saved over 25 million lives, alleviating the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, and was called "George W. Bush's greatest accomplishment" by Vox.

July 13, 2024: Condemnation of Assassination Attempt on Trump

On July 13, 2024, George W. Bush condemned the assassination attempt on former President Trump, calling it "cowardly" and applauding the Secret Service's response.