Bush on January 20, 2001, in Washington D.C., the day of his first inauguration as President of the United States
Bush had originally outlined an ambitious domestic agenda, but his priorities were significantly altered following the September 11 attacks.[90] Wars were waged in Afghanistan and Iraq, and there were significant domestic debates regarding immigration, healthcare, Social Security, economic policy, and treatment of terrorist detainees. Over an eight-year period, Bush's once-high approval ratings[91] steadily declined, while his disapproval numbers increased significantly.[92] In 2007, the United States entered the longest post-World War II recession.[93]

Domestic policy
Main article: Domestic policy of the George W. Bush administration
Economic policy
Main article: Economic policy of the George W. Bush administration
Bush took office during a period of economic recession in the wake of the bursting of the dot-com bubble.[94] The September 11 terrorist attacks also impacted the economy.
His administration increased federal government spending from $1.789 trillion to $2.983 trillion (60 percent), while revenues increased from $2.025 trillion to $2.524 trillion (from 2000 to 2008). Individual income tax revenues increased by 14 percent, corporate tax revenues by 50 percent, and customs and duties by 40 percent. 