GWPortrait comingOfficial portrait of George W. Bush
43rd president of the United States · 2001–2009

George W. Bush

RepublicanVice president: Dick CheneyCompleted two terms

Led the country through the September 11 attacks and launched wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the latter over weapons of mass destruction that were never found. He cut taxes twice, added prescription drugs to Medicare, and ended his presidency in the 2008 financial crisis with the TARP bank rescue.

Debt added
+$4.90trillion
$5.73 trillion → $10.63 trillion (+86%)
Debt-to-GDP, latest
68%
FY2000: 56% → FY2008: 68%
Unemployment
7.8%
Jan 2001: 4.2% → Jan 2009: 7.8%
Average inflation
2.8%a year
2000–2008: 2.8% a year
Executive orders
291
About 36 a year in office
Pardons & commutations
200
189 pardons · 11 commutations
Impeached
No
No · Convicted of a crime: No

The economy, first day to last

Shaded areas show the years in office, with a few years before and after for comparison. Budget years run October to September, so a new president's first budget year starts the fall after they take office.

National debt

Jan 19, 2001: $5.73 trillion → Jan 20, 2009: $10.63 trillion

Debt compared with the economy

Debt as a share of GDP. Above 100% means the debt is bigger than a year of everything the country produces.

Deficits and surpluses

Money borrowed each budget year (below the line) or paid down (above).

DeficitSurplus

Unemployment

Jan 2001: 4.2% → Jan 2009: 7.8%. Monthly rates; the chart shows yearly averages.

Inflation

How much prices rose each year (consumer price index).

Cost of living

What everyday prices and paychecks did while in office.

What cost $100 in 2000$125.03 in 2008
Federal minimum wage, 2001 → 2009$5.15 → $6.55

Prices use the consumer price index (MeasuringWorth). The minimum wage is the federal rate set by Congress.

Executive orders

291 orders, numbered 13198–13488.

Orders signed each year

Source: Federal Register: G.W. Bush executive orders (full list of every order).

Notable orders

Faith-based and community initiativesEO 13199January 29, 2001

Created a White House office to help religious and community groups compete for federal grants.

Federal Register
Blocking terrorist financingEO 13224September 23, 2001

Froze the assets of people and groups tied to terrorism, the main tool against terror financing ever since.

Federal Register
Office of Homeland SecurityEO 13228October 8, 2001

Created the White House office that became the Department of Homeland Security in 2002.

Federal Register
Limiting access to presidential recordsEO 13233November 1, 2001

Let former presidents and vice presidents delay release of their records. Revoked by Obama in 2009.

Federal Register
Stem cell researchEO 13435June 20, 2007

Encouraged stem cell research that does not destroy human embryos, alongside his limits on federal funding.

Federal Register
CIA interrogations and the Geneva ConventionsEO 13440July 20, 2007

Declared that the CIA's detention and interrogation program complied with the Geneva Conventions. Revoked by Obama in 2009.

Federal Register
Every executive order 291Search, filter by topic or year, and open any order's full text
  1. EO 13198January 29, 2001Agency Responsibilities With Respect to Faith-Based and Community InitiativesAmended
  2. EO 13199January 29, 2001Establishment of White House Office of Faith-Based and Community InitiativesRevoked
  3. EO 13200February 11, 2001Presidents Information Technology Advisory Committee, Further Amendment to Executive Order 13035, as Amended
  4. EO 13201February 17, 2001Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or FeesRevoked
  5. EO 13202February 17, 2001Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction ProjectsRevoked
  6. EO 13203February 17, 2001Revocation of Executive Order and Presidential Memorandum Concerning Labor-Management Partnerships
  7. EO 13204February 17, 2001Revocation of Executive Order on Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Certain ContractsRevoked
  8. EO 13205March 9, 2001Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between Northwest Airlines, Inc., and Its Employees Represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
  9. EO 13206April 4, 2001Termination of Emergency Authority for Certain Export Controls
  10. EO 13207April 5, 2001Further Amendment to Executive Order 10000, Regulations Governing Additional Compensation and Credit Granted Certain Employees of the Federal Government Serving Outside the United States
  11. EO 13208April 6, 2001Amendment to Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction ProjectsRevoked
  12. EO 13209April 30, 2001Amendment to Executive Order 13183, Establishment of the Presidents Task Force on Puerto Ricos Status
  13. EO 13210May 2, 2001Presidents Commission To Strengthen Social SecurityRevoked
  14. EO 13211May 18, 2001Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
  15. EO 13212May 18, 2001Actions To Expedite Energy-Related ProjectsAmended
  16. EO 13213May 22, 2001Additional Measures With Respect to Prohibiting the Importation of Rough Diamonds From Sierra LeoneRevoked
  17. EO 13214May 28, 2001Presidents Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nations VeteransRevoked
  18. EO 13215May 31, 2001Presidents Information Technology Advisory Committee, Further Amendment to Executive Order 13035, as Amended
  19. EO 13216June 6, 2001Amendment to Executive Order 13125, Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs
  20. EO 13217June 18, 2001Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals With Disabilities
  21. EO 13218June 20, 200121st Century Workforce Initiative
  22. EO 13219June 26, 2001Blocking Property of Persons Who Threaten International Stabilization Efforts in the Western BalkansAmended
  23. EO 13220July 2, 2001Waiver Under the Trade Act of 1974 With Respect to the Republic of Belarus
  24. EO 13221July 31, 2001Energy Efficient Standby Power Devices
  25. EO 13222August 17, 2001Continuation of Export Control Regulations
  26. EO 13223September 14, 2001Ordering the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty and Delegating Certain Authorities to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of TransportationAmended
  27. EO 13224September 23, 2001Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support TerrorismAmended
  28. EO 13225September 28, 2001Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory CommitteesSuperseded
  29. EO 13226September 30, 2001Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and TechnologyRevoked
  30. EO 13227October 2, 2001Presidents Commission on Excellence in Special EducationRevoked
  31. EO 13228October 8, 2001Establishing the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security CouncilAmended
  32. EO 13229October 9, 2001Amendment to Executive Order 13045, Extending the Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children
  33. EO 13230October 12, 2001Presidents Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans
  34. EO 13231October 16, 2001Critical Infrastructure Protection in the Information AgeAmended
  35. EO 13232October 20, 2001Further Amendment to Executive Order 10789, As Amended, To Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services To Exercise Certain Contracting Authority in Connection With National Defense Functions
  36. EO 13233November 1, 2001Further Implementation of the Presidential Records ActRevoked
  37. EO 13234November 9, 2001Presidential Task Force on Citizen Preparedness in the War on TerrorismAmended
  38. EO 13235November 16, 2001National Emergency Construction Authority
  39. EO 13236November 27, 2001Waiver of Dual Compensation Provisions of the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964
  40. EO 13237November 28, 2001Creation of the Presidents Council on BioethicsSuperseded
  41. EO 13238December 5, 2001Closing of Federal Government Executive Departments and Agencies on Monday, December 24, 2001
  42. EO 13239December 12, 2001Designation of Afghanistan and the Airspace Above as a Combat Zone
  43. EO 13240December 18, 2001Council of Europe in Respect of the Group of States Against CorruptionAmended
  44. EO 13241December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of AgricultureRevoked
  45. EO 13242December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of CommerceRevoked
  46. EO 13243December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentAmended
  47. EO 13244December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the InteriorRevoked
  48. EO 13245December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of LaborAmended
  49. EO 13246December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the TreasuryAmended
  50. EO 13247December 18, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Veterans AffairsAmended
  51. EO 13248December 20, 2001Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between United Airlines, Inc., and Its Mechanics and Related Employees Represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
  52. EO 13249December 28, 2001Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay
  53. EO 13250December 28, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Health and Human ServicesRevoked
  54. EO 13251December 28, 2001Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of StateAmended
  55. EO 13252January 7, 2002Exclusions From the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program
  56. EO 13253January 16, 2002Amendment to Executive Order 13223, Ordering the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty and Delegating Certain Authorities to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation
  57. EO 13254January 29, 2002Establishing the USA Freedom CorpsAmended
  58. EO 13255February 6, 2002Amendment to Executive Order 13227, Presidents Commission on Excellence in Special Education
  59. EO 13256February 12, 2002Presidents Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and UniversitiesRevoked
  60. EO 13257February 13, 2002Presidents Interagency Task Force To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in PersonsAmended
  61. EO 13258February 26, 2002Amending Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and ReviewRevoked
  62. EO 13259March 19, 2002Designation of Public International Organizations for Purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977
  63. EO 13260March 19, 2002Establishing the Presidents Homeland Security Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Committees for Homeland SecurityRevoked
  64. EO 13261March 19, 2002Providing An Order of Succession in the Environmental Protection Agency and Amending Certain Orders on SuccessionRevoked
  65. EO 13262April 11, 2002Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
  66. EO 13263April 29, 2002Presidents New Freedom Commission on Mental HealthRevoked
  67. EO 13264June 4, 2002Amendment to Executive Order 13180, Air Traffic Performance-Based Organization
  68. EO 13265June 6, 2002Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and SportsAmended
  69. EO 13266June 20, 2002Activities To Promote Personal Fitness
  70. EO 13267June 20, 2002Establishing a Transition Planning Office for the Department of Homeland Security Within the Office of Management and Budget
  71. EO 13268July 2, 2002Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Taliban and Amendment of Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001
  72. EO 13269July 3, 2002Expedited Naturalization of Aliens and Noncitizen Nationals Serving in an Active-Duty Status During the War on Terrorism
  73. EO 13270July 3, 2002Tribal Colleges and UniversitiesRevoked
  74. EO 13271July 9, 2002Establishment of the Corporate Fraud Task ForceRevoked
  75. EO 13272August 13, 2002Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking
  76. EO 13273August 21, 2002Further Amending Executive Order 10173, as Amended, Prescribing Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States
  77. EO 13274September 18, 2002Environmental Stewardship and Transportation Infrastructure Project ReviewsAmended
  78. EO 13275October 7, 2002Creating a Board of Inquiry To Report on Certain Labor Disputes Affecting the Maritime Industry of the United States
  79. EO 13276November 15, 2002Delegation of Responsibilities Concerning Undocumented Aliens Interdicted or Intercepted in the Caribbean RegionAmended
  80. EO 13277November 19, 2002Delegation of Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Trade Act of 2002Amended
  81. EO 13278December 11, 2002Presidents Commission on the United States Postal ServiceRevoked
  82. EO 13279December 12, 2002Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community OrganizationsAmended
  83. EO 13280December 12, 2002Responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and the Agency for International Development With Respect to Faith-Based and Community InitiativesAmended
  84. EO 13281December 19, 2002Half-Day Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Tuesday, December 24, 2002
  85. EO 13282December 31, 2002Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  86. EO 13283January 21, 2003Establishing the Office of Global CommunicationsRevoked
  87. EO 13284January 23, 2003Amendment of Executive Orders, and Other Actions, in Connection With the Establishment of the Department of Homeland Security
  88. EO 13285January 29, 2003Presidents Council on Service and Civic ParticipationAmended
  89. EO 13286February 28, 2003Amendment of Executive Orders, and Other Actions, in Connection With the Transfer of Certain Functions to the Secretary of Homeland SecurityAmended
  90. EO 13287March 3, 2003Preserve America
  91. EO 13288March 6, 2003Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in ZimbabweRevoked
  92. EO 13289March 12, 2003Establishing the Global War on Terrorism Medals
  93. EO 13290March 20, 2003Confiscating and Vesting Certain Iraqi PropertyAmended
  94. EO 13291March 21, 2003Further Adjustment of Certain Rates of Pay
  95. EO 13292March 25, 2003Further Amendment to Executive Order 12958, as Amended, Classified National Security InformationRevoked
  96. EO 13293March 28, 2003Amendment to Executive Order 10448, Establishing the National Defense Service Medal
  97. EO 13294March 28, 2003Regulations Relating to Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay, Aviation Career Incentive Pay, and Submarine Duty Incentive Pay
  98. EO 13295April 4, 2003Revised List of Quarantinable Communicable DiseasesAmended
  99. EO 13296April 18, 2003Amendments to Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
  100. EO 13297April 23, 2003Applying the Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Amendments of 2000 to Participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, the Foreign Service Pension System, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System
  101. EO 13298May 6, 2003Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Actions and Policies of UNITA and Revocation of Related Executive Orders
  102. EO 13299May 8, 2003Interagency Group on Insular AreasSuperseded
  103. EO 13300May 9, 2003Facilitating the Administration of Justice in the Federal Courts
  104. EO 13301May 14, 2003Increasing the Number of Members on the Intelligence Oversight Board
  105. EO 13302May 15, 2003Amending Executive Order 13212, Actions To Expedite Energy-Related Projects
  106. EO 13303May 22, 2003Protecting the Development Fund for Iraq and Certain Other Property in Which Iraq Has an InterestAmended
  107. EO 13304May 28, 2003Termination of Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Modification of Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001
  108. EO 13305May 28, 2003Extension of the Presidents Information Technology Advisory Committee and the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
  109. EO 13306May 28, 2003Establishing the Bob Hope American Patriot Award
  110. EO 13307May 29, 2003European Central Bank
  111. EO 13308June 20, 2003Further Amendment to Executive Order 12580, as Amended, Superfund Implementation
  112. EO 13309July 25, 2003Amendments to Executive Order 12994, and Renaming the Presidents Committee on Mental Retardation As the Presidents Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities
  113. EO 13310July 28, 2003Blocking Property of the Government of Burma and Prohibiting Certain TransactionsRevoked
  114. EO 13311July 29, 2003Homeland Security Information SharingAmended
  115. EO 13312July 29, 2003Implementing the Clean Diamond Trade Act
  116. EO 13313July 31, 2003Delegation of Certain Congressional Reporting Functions
  117. EO 13314August 8, 2003Waiver Under the Trade Act of 1974 With Respect to Turkmenistan
  118. EO 13315August 28, 2003Blocking Property of the Former Iraqi Regime, Its Senior Officials and Their Family Members, and Taking Certain Other ActionsPartially superseded
  119. EO 13316September 17, 2003Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory CommitteesPartially superseded
  120. EO 13317September 25, 2003Volunteers for ProsperityAmended
  121. EO 13318November 21, 2003Presidential Management Fellows ProgramRevoked
  122. EO 13319December 3, 2003Amendment to Executive Order 13183, Establishment of the Presidents Task Force on Puerto Ricos Status
  123. EO 13320December 9, 2003Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Friday, December 26, 2003
  124. EO 13321December 17, 2003Appointments During National Emergency
  125. EO 13322December 30, 2003Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  126. EO 13323December 30, 2003Assignment of Functions Relating to Arrivals in and Departures From the United States
  127. EO 13324January 15, 2004Termination of Emergency With Respect to Sierra Leone and Liberia
  128. EO 13325January 23, 2004Amendment to Executive Order 12293, the Foreign Service of the United StatesRevoked
  129. EO 13326January 27, 2004Presidents Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration PolicyRevoked
  130. EO 13327February 4, 2004Federal Real Property Asset ManagementAmended
  131. EO 13328February 6, 2004Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass DestructionRevoked
  132. EO 13329February 24, 2004Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing
  133. EO 13330February 24, 2004Human Service Transportation Coordination
  134. EO 13331February 27, 2004National and Community Service Programs
  135. EO 13332March 3, 2004Further Adjustment of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  136. EO 13333March 18, 2004Amending Executive Order 13257 To Implement the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003
  137. EO 13334April 10, 2004Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Its Conductors Represented by the United Transportation Union
  138. EO 13335April 27, 2004Incentives for the Use of Health Information Technology and Establishing the Position of the National Health Information Technology Coordinator
  139. EO 13336April 30, 2004American Indian and Alaska Native EducationRevoked
  140. EO 13337April 30, 2004Issuance of Permits With Respect to Certain Energy-Related Facilities and Land Transportation Crossings on the International Boundaries of the United StatesRevoked
  141. EO 13338May 11, 2004Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to SyriaRevoked
  142. EO 13339May 13, 2004Increasing Economic Opportunity and Business Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific IslandersSuperseded
  143. EO 13340May 18, 2004Establishment of Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and Promotion of a Regional Collaboration of National Significance for the Great Lakes
  144. EO 13341May 20, 2004Further Amendment to Executive Order 11023, Providing for the Performance by the Secretary of Commerce of Certain Functions Relating to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  145. EO 13342June 1, 2004Responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration With Respect to Faith-Based and Community InitiativesAmended
  146. EO 13343June 6, 2004Providing for the Closing of Government Departments and Agencies on June 11, 2004
  147. EO 13344July 7, 2004Amending Executive Order 13261 on the Order of Succession in the Environmental Protection AgencyRevoked
  148. EO 13345July 8, 2004Assigning Foreign Affairs Functions and Implementing the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative and the Tropical Forest Conservation Act
  149. EO 13346July 8, 2004Delegation of Certain Waiver, Determination, Certification, Recommendation, and Reporting Functions
  150. EO 13347July 22, 2004Individuals With Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness
  151. EO 13348July 22, 2004Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Importation of Certain Goods From LiberiaRevoked
  152. EO 13349July 23, 2004Amending Executive Order 13226 To Designate the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology To Serve as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel
  153. EO 13350July 29, 2004Termination of Emergency Declared in Executive Order 12722 With Respect to Iraq and Modification of Executive Order 13290, Executive Order 13303, and Executive Order 13315
  154. EO 13351August 9, 2004Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Its Conductors Represented by the United Transportation Union
  155. EO 13352August 26, 2004Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation
  156. EO 13353August 27, 2004Establishing the Presidents Board on Safeguarding Americans Civil Liberties
  157. EO 13354August 27, 2004National Counterterrorism CenterRevoked
  158. EO 13355August 27, 2004Strengthened Management of the Intelligence CommunityRevoked
  159. EO 13356August 27, 2004Strengthening the Sharing of Terrorism Information To Protect AmericansRevoked
  160. EO 13357September 20, 2004Termination of Emergency Declared in Executive Order 12543 With Respect to the Policies and Actions of the Government of Libya and Revocation of Related Executive Orders
  161. EO 13358September 28, 2004Assignment of Functions Relating to Certain Appointments, Promotions, and Commissions in the Armed Forces
  162. EO 13359October 20, 2004Amendment to Executive Order 13173, Interagency Task Force on the Economic Development of the Central San Joaquin ValleyAmended
  163. EO 13360October 20, 2004Providing Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses To Increase Their Federal Contracting and Subcontracting
  164. EO 13361November 16, 2004Assignment of Functions Under the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003
  165. EO 13362November 29, 2004Designation of Additional Officers for the Department of Homeland Security Order of SuccessionRevoked
  166. EO 13363November 29, 2004Establishing the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals
  167. EO 13364November 29, 2004Modifying the Protection Granted to the Development Fund for Iraq and Certain Property in Which Iraq Has an Interest and Protecting the Central Bank of Iraq
  168. EO 13365December 3, 20042004 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
  169. EO 13366December 17, 2004Committee on Ocean PolicyRevoked
  170. EO 13367December 21, 2004United States-Mexico Border Health Commission
  171. EO 13368December 30, 2004Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  172. EO 13369January 7, 2005Presidents Advisory Panel on Federal Tax ReformRevoked
  173. EO 13370January 13, 2005Providing an Order of Succession in the Office of Management and BudgetRevoked
  174. EO 13371January 27, 2005Amendments to Executive Order 13285, Relating to the Presidents Council on Service and Civic Participation
  175. EO 13372February 16, 2005Clarification of Certain Executive Orders Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions
  176. EO 13373March 10, 2005Amendments to Executive Order 11926 Relating to the Vice Presidential Service Badge
  177. EO 13374March 14, 2005Amendments to Executive Order 12293—The Foreign Service of the United States
  178. EO 13375April 1, 2005Amendment to Executive Order 13295 Relating to Certain Influenza Viruses and Quarantinable Communicable Diseases
  179. EO 13376April 13, 2005Amendments to Executive Order 12863, Relating to the Presidents Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
  180. EO 13377April 13, 2005Designating the African Union as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
  181. EO 13378May 12, 2005Amendments to Executive Order 12788 Relating to the Defense Economic Adjustment Program
  182. EO 13379June 16, 2005Amendment to Executive Order 13369, Relating to the Presidents Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform
  183. EO 13380June 17, 2005Implementing Amendments to Agreement on Border Environment Cooperation Commission and North American Development Bank
  184. EO 13381June 27, 2005Strengthening Processes Relating to Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified National Security InformationRevoked
  185. EO 13382June 28, 2005Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters
  186. EO 13383July 15, 2005Amending Executive Orders 12139 and 12949 in Light of Establishment of the Office of Director of National Intelligence
  187. EO 13384July 27, 2005Assignment of Functions Relating to Original Appointments as Commissioned Officers and Chief Warrant Officer Appointments in the Armed Forces
  188. EO 13385September 29, 2005Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees and Amendments to and Revocation of Other Executive OrdersPartially superseded
  189. EO 13386September 30, 2005Further Amendment to Executive Order 13369, Relating to the Presidents Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform
  190. EO 13387October 14, 20052005 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
  191. EO 13388October 25, 2005Further Strengthening the Sharing of Terrorism Information To Protect Americans
  192. EO 13389November 1, 2005Creation of the Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding CouncilAmended
  193. EO 13390November 1, 2005Establishment of a Coordinator of Federal Support for the Recovery and Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast RegionAmended
  194. EO 13391November 22, 2005Blocking Property of Additional Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in ZimbabweRevoked
  195. EO 13392December 14, 2005Improving Agency Disclosure of Information
  196. EO 13393December 22, 2005Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  197. EO 13394December 22, 2005Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of DefenseRevoked
  198. EO 13395January 13, 2006Designating the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
  199. EO 13396February 7, 2006Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in Cote d'IvoireRevoked
  200. EO 13397March 7, 2006Responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security With Respect to Faith-Based and Community InitiativesAmended
  201. EO 13398April 18, 2006National Mathematics Advisory Panel
  202. EO 13399April 25, 2006Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to SyriaRevoked
  203. EO 13400April 26, 2006Blocking Property of Persons in Connection With the Conflict in Sudan's Darfur Region
  204. EO 13401April 27, 2006Responsibilities of Federal Departments and Agencies With Respect to Volunteer Community Service
  205. EO 13402May 10, 2006Strengthening Federal Efforts To Protect Against Identity TheftAmended
  206. EO 13403May 12, 2006Amendments to Executive Orders 11030, 13279, 13339, 13381, and 13389, and Revocation of Executive Order 13011
  207. EO 13404June 7, 2006Task Force on New Americans
  208. EO 13405June 16, 2006Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus
  209. EO 13406June 23, 2006Protecting the Property Rights of the American People
  210. EO 13407June 26, 2006Public Alert and Warning System
  211. EO 13408June 29, 2006Amending Executive Order 13381, as Amended, To Extend its Duration by One Year
  212. EO 13409July 3, 2006Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and its Locomotive Engineers Represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
  213. EO 13410August 22, 2006Promoting Quality and Efficient Health Care in Federal Government Administered or Sponsored Health Care Programs
  214. EO 13411August 29, 2006Improving Assistance for Disaster Victims
  215. EO 13412October 13, 2006Blocking Property of and Prohibiting Transactions With the Government of SudanRevoked
  216. EO 13413October 27, 2006Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the CongoAmended
  217. EO 13414November 3, 2006Amendment to Executive Order 13402, Strengthening Federal Efforts To Protect Against Identity Theft
  218. EO 13415December 1, 2006Assignment of Certain Pay-Related Functions
  219. EO 13416December 5, 2006Strengthening Surface Transportation Security
  220. EO 13417December 6, 2006Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between Metro-North Railroad and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations
  221. EO 13418December 14, 2006Amendment to Executive Order 13317, Volunteers for Prosperity
  222. EO 13419December 20, 2006National Aeronautics Research and Development
  223. EO 13420December 21, 2006Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  224. EO 13421December 28, 2006Providing for the Closing of Government Departments and Agencies on January 2, 2007
  225. EO 13422January 18, 2007Further Amendment to Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and ReviewRevoked
  226. EO 13423January 24, 2007Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation ManagementRevoked
  227. EO 13424January 26, 2007Further Amendment to Executive Order 13285, Relating to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation
  228. EO 13425February 14, 2007Trial of Alien Unlawful Enemy Combatants by Military Commission
  229. EO 13426March 6, 2007Establishing a Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors and a Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes
  230. EO 13427March 7, 2007Extending Privileges and Immunities to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations
  231. EO 13428April 2, 2007Renaming a National Forest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
  232. EO 13429April 4, 2007Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between Metro-North Railroad and Its Maintenance of Way Employees Represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
  233. EO 13430April 18, 20072007 Amendments to the Manual For Courts-Martial, United States
  234. EO 13431May 8, 2007Establishment of Temporary Organization To Facilitate United States Government Assistance for Transition in Iraq
  235. EO 13432May 14, 2007Cooperation Among Agencies in Protecting the Environment With Respect to Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Motor Vehicles, Nonroad Vehicles, and Nonroad EnginesAmended
  236. EO 13433May 16, 2007Protecting American Taxpayers From Payment of Contingency Fees
  237. EO 13434May 17, 2007National Security Professional Development
  238. EO 13435June 20, 2007Expanding Approved Stem Cell Lines in Ethically Responsible WaysRevoked
  239. EO 13436June 28, 2007Further Amending Executive Order 13381, as Amended To Extend its Duration by One Year
  240. EO 13437June 28, 2007Waiver Under the Trade Act of 1974 With Respect to Turkmenistan
  241. EO 13438July 17, 2007Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq
  242. EO 13439July 18, 2007Establishing an Interagency Working Group on Import Safety
  243. EO 13440July 20, 2007Interpretation of the Geneva Conventions Common Article 3 as Applied to a Program of Detention and Interrogation Operated by the Central Intelligence AgencyRevoked
  244. EO 13441August 1, 2007Blocking Property of Persons Undermining the Sovereignty of Lebanon or Its Democratic Processes and Institutions
  245. EO 13442August 13, 2007Amending the Order of Succession in the Department of Homeland SecurityRevoked
  246. EO 13443August 16, 2007Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation
  247. EO 13444September 12, 2007Extending Privileges and Immunities to the African Union Mission to the United States
  248. EO 13445September 27, 2007Strengthening Adult Education
  249. EO 13446September 28, 2007Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees and Amendments to and Revocation of Other Executive OrdersPartially superseded
  250. EO 13447September 28, 2007Further 2007 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
  251. EO 13448October 18, 2007Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions Related to BurmaRevoked
  252. EO 13449October 20, 2007Protection of Striped Bass and Red Drum Fish Populations
  253. EO 13450November 13, 2007Improving Government Program Performance
  254. EO 13451November 19, 2007Designating the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
  255. EO 13452November 28, 2007Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations
  256. EO 13453December 6, 2007Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Monday, December 24, 2007
  257. EO 13454January 4, 2008Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  258. EO 13455January 22, 2008Establishing the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy
  259. EO 13456January 23, 2008Further Amendment of Executive Order 11858 Concerning Foreign Investment in the United States
  260. EO 13457January 29, 2008Protecting American Taxpayers From Government Spending on Wasteful Earmarks
  261. EO 13458February 4, 2008Implementation of the Protocol Additional to the Agreement Between the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America
  262. EO 13459February 7, 2008Improving the Coordination and Effectiveness of Youth Programs
  263. EO 13460February 13, 2008Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to SyriaRevoked
  264. EO 13461February 15, 2008Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Health and Human Services
  265. EO 13462February 29, 2008President's Intelligence Advisory Board and Intelligence Oversight BoardAmended
  266. EO 13463April 18, 2008Amending Executive Orders 13389 and 13390
  267. EO 13464April 30, 2008Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions Related to BurmaRevoked
  268. EO 13465June 6, 2008Amending Executive Order 12989, as Amended
  269. EO 13466June 26, 2008Continuing Certain Restrictions With Respect to North Korea and North Korean Nationals
  270. EO 13467June 30, 2008Reforming Processes Related to Suitability for Government Employment, Fitness for Contractor Employees, and Eligibility for Access to Classified National Security InformationAmended
  271. EO 13468July 24, 20082008 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
  272. EO 13469July 25, 2008Blocking Property of Additional Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in ZimbabweRevoked
  273. EO 13470July 30, 2008Further Amendments to Executive Order 12333, United States Intelligence Activities
  274. EO 13471August 28, 2008Further Amendments to Executive Order 13285, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation
  275. EO 13472September 11, 2008Executive Branch Responsibilities With Respect to Orders of Succession
  276. EO 13473September 25, 2008To Authorize Certain Noncompetitive Appointments in the Civil Service for Spouses of Certain Members of the Armed Forces
  277. EO 13474September 26, 2008Amendments to Executive Order 12962
  278. EO 13475October 7, 2008Further Amendments to Executive Orders 12139 and 12949 in Light of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008
  279. EO 13476October 9, 2008Facilitation of a Presidential Transition
  280. EO 13477October 31, 2008Settlement of Claims Against Libya
  281. EO 13478November 18, 2008Amendments to Executive Order 9397 Relating to Federal Agency Use of Social Security Numbers
  282. EO 13479November 18, 2008Transformation of the National Air Transportation System
  283. EO 13480November 26, 2008Exclusions From the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program
  284. EO 13481December 9, 2008Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of JusticeRevoked
  285. EO 13482December 12, 2008Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Friday, December 26, 2008
  286. EO 13483December 18, 2008Adjustments of Certain Rates of PaySuperseded
  287. EO 13484January 9, 2009Amending the Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
  288. EO 13485January 9, 2009Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Transportation
  289. EO 13486January 9, 2009Strengthening Laboratory Biosecurity in the United States
  290. EO 13487January 16, 2009Establishment of a Temporary Organization To Facilitate United States Government Support for Afghanistan
  291. EO 13488January 16, 2009Granting Reciprocity on Excepted Service and Federal Contractor Employee Fitness and Reinvestigating Individuals in Positions of Public TrustAmended

Source: Executive Orders Archive, compiled from the American Presidency Project and the Federal Register. Topics are the archive's automated tags; "Revoked" and similar labels come from the Federal Register's records.

Pardons and commutations

A pardon wipes out the punishment for a federal crime; a commutation shortens a sentence but leaves the conviction. Counts are by federal fiscal year. Bush granted clemency less often than any two-term president of the modern era.

Granted each year

PardonsCommutations

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice, clemency statistics, which lists every recipient with the crime and sentence.

Notable grants: tap to see the crime

Scooter LibbyCommutationJuly 2, 2007

The crime: Perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to the FBI in the investigation of who leaked CIA officer Valerie Plame's identity

Sentence: 30 months in prison; $250,000 fine

Why it drew attention: Chief of staff to Vice President Cheney. Bush erased the prison term but left the conviction and fine; Trump fully pardoned him in 2018.

Source
Ignacio Ramos and José CompeanCommutationJanuary 19, 2009

The crime: Shooting an unarmed, fleeing drug smuggler at the border and covering it up

Sentence: 11 and 12 years

Why it drew attention: Border Patrol agents whose cause was taken up by conservative media and members of Congress.

Source
Isaac ToussiePardon (revoked)December 23, 2008

The crime: Mail fraud and making false statements in real estate deals

Sentence: Five months in prison

Why it drew attention: Bush revoked the pardon the next day after reports that Toussie's father had donated to Republicans, the only known revoked presidential pardon.

Source
Charles WintersPardon (posthumous)December 23, 2008

The crime: Violating the Neutrality Act by smuggling B-17 bombers to Israel in 1948

Sentence: 18 months

Why it drew attention: A rare posthumous pardon, for helping arm Israel in its war of independence.

Source

Controversies and scandals

What happened, what was proven, and how it ended.

Proven convicted, admitted or confirmed by a court or official investigationCharged indicted or impeached (outcome stated)Disputed facts established, whether it was wrong is debatedAlleged reported but never established
Iraq and weapons of mass destructionDisputed2002–2004

The administration made Iraq's weapons of mass destruction the central case for the 2003 invasion. No stockpiles were found.

Outcome: The Iraq Survey Group confirmed there were none (2004). A 2008 Senate Intelligence Committee report found some public statements were not backed by intelligence; whether officials knowingly misled is debated.

Source
Torture of detaineesProven2002–2008

The CIA used waterboarding and other 'enhanced interrogation' on terrorism suspects, approved by Justice Department legal memos.

Outcome: A 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report found it was brutal and ineffective; no officials were prosecuted.

Source
Abu Ghraib prison abuseProven2003–2004

U.S. soldiers abused and humiliated Iraqi detainees and photographed it.

Outcome: 11 soldiers were convicted; no senior officials were charged.

Source
The CIA leak (Valerie Plame)Proven2003–2007

The identity of a CIA officer was leaked to reporters after her husband criticized the case for war.

Outcome: Libby was convicted of lying to investigators; no one was charged with the leak itself.

Source
Firing of U.S. attorneysProven2006–2007

Nine U.S. attorneys were fired, some after resisting political pressure on cases.

Outcome: The inspector general found improper political motives; the attorney general resigned.

Source
Warrantless wiretappingDisputed2001–2007

The NSA monitored Americans' international calls and emails without the court warrants required by law.

Outcome: A federal judge ruled it unconstitutional (2006; reversed on appeal on standing grounds). Congress later changed the law to allow much of it.

Source
Hurricane Katrina responseProven2005

Federal relief was slow as New Orleans flooded; about 1,400 people died.

Outcome: A bipartisan House report, 'A Failure of Initiative', documented failures at every level; the FEMA director resigned.

Source
Jack Abramoff lobbying scandalProven2005–2008

A Republican lobbyist traded gifts and trips for official favors.

Outcome: About 20 people were convicted, including a congressman and two Bush administration officials.

Source

In their own words

Widely quoted remarks, with the context they were said in.

Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.

September 20, 2001 · Address to Congress after the 9/11 attacks. Source

Major combat operations in Iraq have ended.

May 1, 2003 · Speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln under a 'Mission Accomplished' banner. Most U.S. deaths in Iraq came afterward. Source

Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job.

September 2, 2005 · To FEMA director Michael Brown during Hurricane Katrina. Brown resigned ten days later. Source
How this page is made. Every president gets the same sections and the same checklist. A controversy is listed if it led to an investigation by Congress, an inspector general, a special or independent counsel or a court, or was a sustained national story covered across the political spectrum. Labels follow the strongest official finding, not media coverage. Debt figures come from the U.S. Treasury; deficits and GDP from the White House budget office and the Commerce Department; unemployment from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (before 1948, yearly estimates by Stanley Lebergott via NBER and the Census Bureau's Historical Statistics); prices from MeasuringWorth; executive orders from the Federal Register and National Archives; clemency from the Justice Department.