Former President Bush appears to bash Trump in scathing essay

Bush commended Washington's humility and warned against a 'monarchy, or worse'

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a new essay honoring George Washington, former President George W. Bush appears to take aim at incumbent President Donald Trump, warning against the dangers of a leader who seeks to cling to power. While not mentioning Trump by name, Bush praised Washington's choices to cede command and resign after two terms, saying they "ensured America wouldn't become a monarchy, or worse." The essay is part of a new history project called "In Pursuit" that will also feature contributions from other former presidents.

Why it matters

This essay from the 43rd president comes as a growing number of Republicans and other prominent officials have openly criticized Trump, particularly over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his threats to run for a third term. Bush's remarks underscore the deep divisions within the GOP and the concerns about the state of American democracy.

The details

In the essay, Bush commended Washington's qualities of diplomacy, self-control, civility and modesty, writing that "few qualities have inspired me more than Washington's humility." He praised the first president for deliberately fostering these traits and for putting "the good of the nation over self-interest and selfish ambition." Given Trump's own brash and divisive style of leadership, Bush's praise for Washington's restraint and respect for democratic norms appears to be a thinly veiled rebuke of the current president.

  • The essay was released on February 16, 2026 by the nonpartisan coalition More Perfect.
  • It is the first submission in a new history project called "In Pursuit" that will also feature contributions from former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

The players

George W. Bush

The 43rd President of the United States, who served from 2001 to 2009.

Donald Trump

The incumbent President of the United States, who has faced criticism for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and threats to run for a third term.

George Washington

The first President of the United States, whose choices to cede command and resign after two terms are praised by Bush in the essay.

Colleen Shogan

A former National Archivist who is currently in charge of the "In Pursuit" history project.

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What they’re saying

“Our first president could have remained all-powerful, but twice he chose not to. In doing so, he set a standard for all presidents to live up to.”

— George W. Bush, Former President (The New York Times)

“Few qualities have inspired me more than Washington's humility. Washington modeled what it means to put the good of the nation over self-interest and selfish ambition... he carried himself with dignity and self-restraint, honoring the office [of the president] without allowing to become invested with near-mythical powers.”

— George W. Bush, Former President (The New York Times)

What’s next

The "In Pursuit" history project will continue to feature contributions from other former presidents and prominent figures in the coming months, providing further insights into the state of American democracy.

The takeaway

Bush's essay serves as a powerful rebuke of the current president's disregard for democratic norms and institutions, underscoring the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the growing concerns about the future of American democracy.