George W. Bush Pens Tribute to George Washington's Humility

In a new essay series, the former president highlights the first president's decision to relinquish power.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a new essay series called "In Pursuit" that examines the legacies of U.S. presidents, former President George W. Bush pays tribute to George Washington's humility and decision to step down from power after two terms. Bush notes that Washington's actions "ensured America wouldn't become a monarchy, or worse." The essay series, which features contributions from other prominent public figures and scholars, aims to make presidential history relevant while taking a nonpartisan approach.

Why it matters

Bush's essay on Washington comes at a time when American democracy is seen as increasingly fractured, making the first president's example of relinquishing power all the more significant. The broader "In Pursuit" project also seeks to provide a nonpartisan perspective on presidential history, which has become a challenge in the current polarized political climate.

The details

In his essay, Bush does not shy away from addressing Washington's limitations, including his role as a lifelong slave owner. However, Bush praises Washington's humility in stepping down from power, noting that this "ensured America wouldn't become a monarchy, or worse." The "In Pursuit" project, created for the 250th anniversary of American independence, will feature essays on each U.S. president up to Barack Obama, written by a bipartisan mix of public figures and scholars.

  • The essay was published on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The "In Pursuit" project was created for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The players

George W. Bush

The 43rd President of the United States, who wrote the essay on George Washington's humility.

George Washington

The first President of the United States, whose leadership and decision to relinquish power are the focus of Bush's essay.

Colleen Shogan

The leader of the "In Pursuit" project, a new nonpartisan history initiative that is publishing the series of presidential essays.

Lonnie G. Bunch III

The secretary of the Smithsonian, who is contributing to the "In Pursuit" project.

Carla D. Hayden

The former librarian of Congress, who was fired last year and is also contributing to the "In Pursuit" project.

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What they’re saying

“Few qualities have inspired me more than Washington's humility. Our first president could have remained all-powerful, but twice he chose not to.”

— George W. Bush, Former President (In Pursuit)

“By 'relinquishing power rather than holding onto it,' he ensured America wouldn't become a monarchy, or worse.”

— George W. Bush, Former President (In Pursuit)

“Slavery is a stain on an otherwise sterling private and public life.”

— George W. Bush, Former President (In Pursuit)

What’s next

The "In Pursuit" project will continue to release new presidential essays on a weekly basis, covering each president up to Barack Obama.

The takeaway

George W. Bush's tribute to Washington's humility serves as a timely reminder of the importance of democratic norms and the peaceful transfer of power, especially in an era of heightened political polarization.