What Happened to George W. Bush?
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, has maintained a largely private but active post-presidency since leaving office in 2009. He has focused on his presidential center, writing books, and pursuing painting, notably creating portraits of military veterans. While largely refraining from partisan politics, he continues to engage in public discourse on issues like leadership, global health, and democracy, with recent public appearances and events extending into April 2026.
Quick Answer
Since leaving the presidency in 2009, George W. Bush has dedicated his time to the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, focusing on policy initiatives, leadership development, and global health. He has also become an accomplished painter, publishing books of his artwork, and authored a memoir and a biography of his father. As of April 2026, he continues to make public appearances, deliver speeches on various topics, and his 'Portraits of Courage' exhibit is still on display. He notably congratulated Donald Trump on his 2024 election victory but did not endorse a candidate prior to the election.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Leaves Office and Retires to Texas
After the inauguration of his successor, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush retired to their ranch in Crawford, Texas, and also established a home in Dallas.
Leads Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort
Bush united with former President Bill Clinton to lead a major fundraising relief effort for the victims of the devastating Haitian earthquake.
Publishes Memoir 'Decision Points'
His memoir, 'Decision Points,' offering personal insights into his policy decisions and experiences as President, was published.
Amateur Paintings Revealed
A hacker published private photographs online of Bush's amateur paintings, bringing public attention to his new hobby.
George W. Bush Presidential Center Dedicated
The George W. Bush Presidential Center, including his library, museum, and the Bush Institute, was dedicated on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Publishes '41: A Portrait of My Father'
Bush released a biography of his father, George H.W. Bush, titled '41: A Portrait of My Father,' on Veteran's Day.
Releases 'Portraits of Courage' Book and Exhibit
He released 'Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors,' a book and accompanying exhibit featuring his oil paintings of military veterans.
Declines to Endorse in 2024 Presidential Election
Bush's office stated that he would not endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election, noting his retirement from presidential politics.
Congratulates Donald Trump on Election Victory
Following the 2024 presidential election, George W. Bush released a statement congratulating Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States.
Addresses Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
President Bush participated in a community gathering hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, where he addressed Israel, regional security, and the urgent need to combat antisemitism.
Speaks at The Economic Club of Washington D.C.
Bush delivered remarks at The Economic Club of Washington D.C., discussing the state of the economy, education, healthcare, energy, and trade.
Delivers Keynote at Healthcare Meeting
He delivered a 'Celebrity Keynote' address at Becker's Hospital Review's 16th Annual Meeting.
Bush Institute Awards Citation at Forum on Leadership
The George W. Bush Institute awarded its 2026 Citation to Interfaith America Founder and President Eboo Patel at the 2026 Forum on Leadership, an event focusing on American ideals and pluralism.
Dana Perino Highlights Bush's Mentorship
Former White House press secretary Dana Perino shared career lessons from George W. Bush, emphasizing his advice on career flexibility and trusting instincts during transitions.
'Portraits of Courage' Exhibit at EPCOT
His 'Portraits of Courage' exhibit, featuring paintings of military veterans, continues to be displayed at EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
George W. Bush's post-presidency has been marked by a deliberate shift away from the partisan political fray, focusing instead on establishing and promoting his legacy through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. Established at Southern Methodist University, the Center houses his presidential library and museum, alongside the George W. Bush Institute, a policy and leadership development center. The Institute actively engages in initiatives related to economic growth, education reform, global health (continuing his administration's work on AIDS relief), human freedom, and support for military service members and their families.
A significant and widely recognized aspect of Bush's post-presidency is his embrace of painting. He took up the hobby after leaving office, and his work gained public attention in 2013 when private images of his amateur paintings were leaked. He later published 'Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors' in 2017, a collection of oil paintings depicting military veterans he has known personally. This exhibit has toured various locations, including EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, where it is scheduled to run until July 5, 2026. Beyond art, Bush has also continued his writing career, publishing his memoir 'Decision Points' in 2010 and '41: A Portrait of My Father,' a biography of his father, George H.W. Bush, in 2014.
While largely refraining from direct involvement in presidential politics, Bush has not entirely shied away from public commentary. In September 2024, his office stated he would not endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing his retirement from presidential politics. However, following the election in November 2024, he issued a statement congratulating Donald Trump on his victory as the 47th President, and also thanked President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service. This measured approach reflects his broader post-presidency strategy of maintaining a dignified distance from day-to-day political battles while still acknowledging significant national events.
His current status as of April 20, 2026, shows continued engagement in public life through speeches and events. In February 2026, he spoke at a community gathering for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, addressing Israel, regional security, and combating antisemitism. He also delivered remarks at The Economic Club of Washington D.C. in February 2026, discussing the economy, education, healthcare, energy, and trade. In April 2026, he was a celebrity keynote speaker at Becker's Hospital Review's 16th Annual Meeting and the George W. Bush Institute awarded its 2026 Citation at the Forum on Leadership. His former press secretary, Dana Perino, also recently highlighted Bush's mentorship on career flexibility in April 2026. Bush continues to reside in Dallas, Texas, and at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. His net worth is estimated at approximately $50 million, derived from various business ventures, book sales, and speaking engagements.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if George W. Bush made different choices?