George W. Bush, born July 6, 1946, is an American politician, businessman, and artist who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party and the Bush family, he was the 46th governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. Bush’s presidency was defined by his response to the September 11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, major domestic reforms, and notable controversies. Since leaving office, Bush has focused on writing, painting, and public service projects, maintaining a low political profile while contributing to veterans’ causes and civic initiatives.

Current Role:
No current political position; active in public service, writing, and painting (2009–present)

Previous roles:
President of United States (2001–2009)
Governor of Texas (1995–2000)
Co-owner, Texas Rangers (1989–1998)
Chairman, Spectrum 7/Harken Energy (1984–1986)
Fighter Pilot, Texas Air National Guard (1968–1973)

Education:
Yale University, B.A. in History (1968)
Harvard Business School, M.B.A. (1975)

Background:
Born 1946, New Haven, Connecticut
Raised in Midland and Houston, Texas
Eldest son of President George H. W. Bush
Twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna
Married Laura Welch (1977)
Served in Texas Air National Guard
Overcame alcohol abuse (quit in 1986)

Career:
Oil industry executive
Co-owner and managing partner of Texas Rangers baseball team
Worked on his father’s 1988 presidential campaign

Political positions:
Republican
Compassionate conservative
Advocated tax cuts, education reform, faith-based initiatives, anti-abortion policies

Legislative achievements:
No Child Left Behind Act (2002)
Major tax cut packages
Medicare Modernization Act (created Medicare Part D)
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act

Controversies:
2000 election outcome (Bush v. Gore)
Handling of Hurricane Katrina
Use of enhanced interrogation/torture at Abu Ghraib
Invasion of Iraq (WMD intelligence)
Patriot Act and surveillance expansion
Response to 2008 financial crisis