What Was George H.W. Bush's Net Worth?
George H.W. Bush was an American politician and the 41st President of the United States, with a net worth of $25 million at his death in 2018. Born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, Bush's life extended far beyond his presidency. His eldest son, George W. Bush, also served as President, and his son Jeb Bush was the Governor of Florida.
Early Life
Bush grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. His father was a successful investment banker, and their family wealth shielded them from the Great Depression. Bush attended Greenwich Country Day School and Phillips Academy, graduating in 1942. He enlisted in the Navy as a naval aviator during World War II. Surviving an attack in the Pacific, he was rescued by USS Finback after his aircraft was downed. In 1948, he graduated from Yale with honors.
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Early Career and Entry into Politics
Post-college, Bush moved to Texas and succeeded in the oil business, becoming a millionaire by 40. His political career began in the 1960s with a successful run for a seat in the US House of Representatives. Under Nixon, he chaired the Republican National Committee and later became the Director of Central Intelligence, managing the CIA post-Watergate scandal.
In 1980, he ran for president but lost to Ronald Reagan. As Reagan's vice president, Bush won the presidential election in 1988, succeeding Reagan.
Presidency
As the 41st President, Bush's tenure (1989-1993) was marked by significant foreign policy achievements. He managed the end of the Cold War, the German reunification, and led the coalition to liberate Kuwait in the Gulf War. Domestically, he faced economic challenges and signed NAFTA. He also passed significant legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. His failure to secure a second term saw him losing to Bill Clinton.
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Post Presidency
After his presidency, Bush remained publically active, relocating to Houston and engaging in humanitarian efforts. He co-authored "A World Transformed," supported his sons' political careers, and collaborated with President Clinton on disaster relief initiatives. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2011.
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Personal Life
George married Barbara Pierce in 1945. They had six children. Their daughter Robin died of leukemia in 1953. Barbara passed away in April 2018, and George H.W. Bush died in November 2018 at age 94.
Honors
Bush received numerous honors, including "Time" magazine's Man of the Year in 1990 and induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. The Houston airport and the CIA headquarters bear his name. In 2019, he was commemorated on a USPS postage stamp.
