Former President George W. Bush issued his first statement regarding the 2024 presidential election, congratulating his fellow Republican, President-elect Donald Trump.
“I congratulate President Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and their families,” he said in a statement issued Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET.
Bush was noticeably absent from the Republican National Convention this summer, and also refused to endorse Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris before the results were announced, despite Bush’s former running mate, Dick Cheney, endorsing Harris. Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, also called on Bush to endorse Harris, while his daughter, Barbara Bush, voted for Harris in Pennsylvania last month.
The Associated Press declared Trump the winner after he received Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, pushing him past the required 270-vote threshold, at 5:34 a.m. ET.
Bush, who since his presidency has been an active painter in Texas and released a book titled Portraits of the Courage of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, also thanked Harris and President Biden for their service.
Former President George W. Bush before an NCAA college football game between Florida State and SMU Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Dallas. Bush congratulates Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 election. Former President George W. Bush before an NCAA college football game between Florida State and SMU Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Dallas. Bush congratulated Donald Trump on his 2024 election victory. LM Otero/AP Photo
“Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers and volunteers who oversaw a free and fair election,” he said. “We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government,” he said, adding that high election turnout is a sign of the strength of American democracy.
He added: “We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government. We ask God to bless our great country.”
Kamala Harris has not yet spoken publicly about her defeat, and is expected to deliver her concession speech at Howard University this afternoon at 4 p.m. ET.
Bush’s congratulatory message is one of many messages Donald Trump has received since his victory was announced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on Twitter previously, saying: “Congratulations on the greatest comeback in history!
He said, “Your historic return to the White House provides a new beginning for America and a strong recommitment to the grand alliance between Israel and America.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also posted on X saying: “Congratulations to President-elect Trump on your historic election win. I look forward to working with you in the years to come.”
“As the closest allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder to defend our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and technology, I know that the special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to thrive on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added to the congratulatory messages, saying: “I appreciate President Donald Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach to global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring a just peace in Ukraine closer.”
