George Walker Bush: A Presidential Legacy Born July 6, 1946, George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States (2001-2009). His political career began with a successful governorship of Texas (1995-2000), marked by legislative achievements in tort reform, education, and criminal justice. He also oversaw Texas’s rise as a leader in wind energy production. Bush’s presidency was profoundly shaped by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, leading to the “War on Terror,” the invasion of Afghanistan, and the controversial 2003 Iraq War, based on claims of weapons of mass destruction. He signed the Patriot Act, expanding surveillance powers. Domestically, he enacted major tax cuts, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the Medicare Modernization Act. His administration also launched the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). His presidency was not without significant criticism. The handling of Hurricane Katrina and revelations of torture at Abu Ghraib drew widespread condemnation. Economic policies, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) implemented during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, also faced scrutiny. While initially enjoying high approval ratings, his popularity fluctuated significantly throughout his two terms. Post-presidency, Bush has largely maintained a low profile in Texas. Historical assessments place him among the lower-ranked US Presidents.