Former President George W. Bush has announced that he will not endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election, continuing his trend of staying out of national politics — a decision many wish he’d made before running for president. This move reflects a deeper divide within the Republican Party, as neoconservatives like Bush continue to distance themselves from President Donald Trump, whose presidency was marked by a refusal to start new wars.
Bush’s office stated that neither he nor his wife, Laura, would endorse or reveal their vote in the upcoming election. This comes after Bush chose not to support Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections, instead writing in Condoleezza Rice as his pick for president in 2020.
Many conservatives view Bush’s legacy, particularly the Iraq War, as a stark contrast to Trump’s America First approach. Under Bush’s administration, the U.S. engaged in a prolonged and costly conflict in Iraq, whereas Trump has been praised by supporters for avoiding new military engagements during his time as commander in chief.
Bush’s announcement comes on the heels of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Cheney, who served under Bush during the Iraq War, heavily criticized Trump, calling him the greatest threat to the nation. Trump responded by dismissing Cheney as an “irrelevant RINO,” underscoring the ongoing tension between Trump and neoconservative figures.
This continued refusal from neoconservatives to support Trump highlights the growing divide within the GOP. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s foreign policy record remains a point of contention among establishment Republicans.
