George W. Bush Presidential Center

It’s here! 📚 🇺🇸 Mrs. @laurawbush’s 2026 Summer Reading List commemorates America’s 250th birthday with themes that celebrate the freedom to be a kid – “Freedom to Be Bold,” “Freedom to Dream,” and “Freedom to Explore.” Enjoy some fun in the sun and dive into this curated list for children of all ages! Explore the list and add to your bookshelf today: shop.bushcenter.org/pages/sign-up-…

The United States has the opportunity to ensure that freedom is representative around the world, including political prisoners in China. "...Innocent people have been jailed for actions which Americans do freely – worshipping, posting opinions online, writing news articles, opening businesses, refusing to pay corrupt officials, and assembling freely," says Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the Bush Institute. Read more about why U.S. and China leaders should prioritize advocating for the freedom of political prisoners: bushcenter.org/publications/a…

Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the Bush Center to discuss her book, 'Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution'. During the conversation, she reflected on the Supreme Court’s role in upholding and protecting the Constitution and the rights it defines. Listen to the full conversation on our website today: bushcenter.org/events-and-exh…

Local journalism is important and has the opportunity to thrive when news organizations and communities collaborate. The Tulsa Flyer is actively building a network of local media outlets in Tulsa – including different forms of media such as podcasts, newspapers, radio station, and more. "If The Flyer succeeds with its local network, much like Deep South Today has done regionally in Mississippi and Louisiana, the collaboration will provide lessons for strengthening local journalism in other communities," says William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the Bush Institute. Read more about the power of networks in local journalism: bushcenter.org/publications/t…

The musical 'Hamilton' can be seen as a cultural example and reminder to defend our democratic norm of peacefully surrendering political power – an essential part of American democracy even after 250 years of the American experiment. "This practice deserves persistent commitment from its citizens and a debt of gratitude to George Washington, who set it all into motion," says @ChrisJamesWalsh, Director of Freedom and Democracy at the Bush Institute. Read more about why democracy in pop culture matters in our 'Democracy is a Verb' series: bushcenter.org/publications/2…

Migration continues to be an increasingly complex and global phenomenon, "with significant implications for national security, humanitarian obligations, and international relations," says Theresa Brown, Fellow of Immigration at the Bush Institute. On the podcast 'Fronteras', by Norma Martinez and Marian Navarro, Theresa discusses border security and immigration policy in the U.S. to figure out how we can best align interests with other countries to manage migration. Listen to the full episode today: tpr.org/podcast/fronte…

It’s that time of year again! 📚 Get early access to this year’s America at 250-themed Mrs. @laurawbush's Summer Reading List by signing up: shop.bushcenter.org/pages/sign-up-…

Apply to join the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2027 ⭐️ We’re looking for leaders from all sectors and backgrounds who are committed to solving today’s most pressing issues. Learn more and apply by July 19: presidentialleadershipscholars.org/apply

“In countries around the world, children are starving…The United States and other countries must prioritize early action and break down silos preventing aid from reaching those who need it most,” write Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy and Natalie Gonnella-Platts, Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. Read more: bushcenter.org/publications/p…

Happy Mothers Day to Mrs. Laura W. Bush and all of the wonderful mothers around the world. Today is a time to honor mothers and mother figures who continuously make sacrifices, offer endless love, and selflessly support their families. Thank you to the mothers who continue to make the word a better place!

“Only 40% of Ukrainians believe the United States will provide the necessary support for their efforts, down 17 percentage points from January,” says David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the Bush Institute. Read why the U.S. should be on Ukraine’s side: bushcenter.org/publications/u…

In the middle of a war, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyers in Iran, was detained on March 31 by authorities of the Islamic Republic. The reason for her arrest and charges remain unknown. Read more about Nasrin's struggle for freedom in Iran: bushcenter.org/publications/s…

“Too often, when reflecting and advocating on global challenges, stakeholders speak in abstract. On Mother’s Day especially, we must remember that history is seen most clearly through our own families, our own ties, our own mothers,” write Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute, and Natalie Gonnella-Platts @yankeebean, Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. Read how mothers around the world are waiting, but our support should not: bushcenter.org/publications/m…

“RightsCon 2026, an annual global gathering on human rights in the digital age, was the latest victim of targeted Chinese influence over international dialogue and collaboration on digital rights issues such as internet censorship, cyber warfare, and surveillance,” says Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the Bush Institute. Read why democracies must push back when it comes to censorship: bushcenter.org/publications/c…

A letter. A desk drawer. A little piece of history. Shilo Brooks of @TheBushCenter recently visited our replica Oval Office and read aloud the note President Bush left for President Obama — a moment of bipartisan encouragement that still resonates.

America has the tools and resources to provide foreign assistance, via the compact model, in a way that is compassionate and reflective of who we are as Americans. As President Bush said in 2002, "The measure of true compassion is results." Read more about why policymakers and thought leaders should lead with compassion as they debate the role of international assistance: bushcenter.org/publications/t…

Today, the George W. Bush Institute unveiled its latest class of 37 scholars to participate in the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program! This unique initiative brings together visionary leaders from all walks of life – civilians, veterans, and active-duty military – who are dedicated to uplifting our nation’s veterans and their families. The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program connects bold leaders from diverse sectors across the country.

"Texas accountability policy means everyone can see how well students are learning and progressing," writes Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director of Opportunity and Democracy at the Bush Institute. "That clarity invites in the broad range of stakeholders required to create something better for Texas’ kids – educators, intermediary organizations, policymakers and more – who are creating place-based partnerships for the long haul." Listen to more from the ASU-GSV Summit about how Texas students win when policy, data, and incentives create real support in schools: bushcenter.org/publications/t…

The foundational early decisions to foster businesses in America paved the way for explosive growth in business formation in the early to mid-1800s. The freedom to go into business is an often-overlooked critical right that Americans have enjoyed since our nation’s early history. Learn how these decisions set the stage for America to become the world’s wealthiest nation by the early 20th century from Cullum Clark, Fellow at the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative. Clark’s latest installment of Milestone Moments series, “The bedrock of America’s business model” will continue to explore transformational events that shaped the American economy into what it is today: bushcenter.org/publications/t…

“To stem political violence, national and local leaders and average citizens must tone down their rhetoric and adopt a more democratic, respectful and civic culture,” said Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the Bush Institute. “All of us bear a responsibility to not fan the flames of political violence.” Read how leaders and everyday citizens can combat political violence and protect a healthy democracy: bushcenter.org/publications/d…