George W. Bush finally broke his silence on the presidential election, and the response was about as measured and diplomatic as one might expect.
After refusing to endorse either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, Bush took to Instagram on Wednesday to congratulate Trump on his “resounding win” while also thanking Biden and Harris for their service. It’s classic Bush: carefully crafted, nonpartisan, and gracious. But for Republicans who have been frustrated by Bush’s silence, especially as fellow Republicans fought to reclaim the White House, his timing has left many shaking their heads.
The 43rd president offered his usual well-wishes, acknowledging the “strong turnout” as a sign of America’s democratic health. “Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers, and volunteers who oversaw a free and fair election,” he said. No surprises there—Bush has long leaned into the elder statesman role, staying out of direct politics, even when the GOP could’ve used a more vocal ally. In fact, while Dick Cheney controversially endorsed Kamala Harris, Bush sat on the sidelines, choosing to focus on keeping the Senate in Republican hands rather than publicly backing a candidate for president.
“I congratulate President Trump on his election as 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and their families,” Bush posted on Instagram.
“I also thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service to our country.”
“The strong turnout in this election is a sign of the health of our republic and the strength of our democratic institutions. Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers, and volunteers who oversaw a free and fair election.”
“We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government. May God continue to bless our great country,” he said.
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ON THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:
CRAWFORD, TEXAS — I congratulate President Trump on his election as 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and their families.
I also thank President…
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) November 6, 2024
Bush’s silence left many wondering if he would even comment on the election at all. But here we are, with Bush’s statement showing more love for “democratic institutions” than for the monumental comeback Trump just pulled off. For context, while Bush was silent, Clinton had no problem hitting the campaign trail for Harris, rallying the Democratic base and making it clear he wanted to keep the White House blue. Yet, his efforts fell flat as Harris suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Trump, who secured the electoral votes needed to declare victory after key wins in Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. The Associated Press confirmed Trump’s victory in the early hours, with Fox News projecting him as the overall winner shortly after.
Interestingly, Bush’s congratulations come amid Trump’s victory lap, as he has reportedly spent his first day as president-elect fielding congratulatory calls from world leaders. And it’s not just an electoral college victory; Trump is on track to take both the popular vote and the electoral college—a feat Republicans haven’t managed in nearly two decades. So while Bush’s praise was polite and restrained, Trump’s supporters are celebrating a massive, history-making win that signals the resurgence of a populist movement that Bush, ironically, never quite understood.
Vice President Harris has conceded. It’ll be interesting to see if she gives Bush a quick ring to thank him for staying on the sidelines. For now, though, the Republican base is celebrating a decisive victory and the fact that this time around, Americans rejected the elitist labels, the media smears, and the establishment pressures. Bush may have chosen a safer, quieter route, but the “greatest victory in history,” as Trump’s team is calling it, has a lot of Republicans feeling emboldened, ready to roll up their sleeves and re-embrace the America-first vision that Bush left behind years ago.
