George W. Bush has broken his silence on the presidential election after refusing to reveal who he voted for.
Bush, 78, was criticized for not backing either candidate on his team but confirmed he had chosen to focus on keeping control of the Senate rather than getting involved in the White House race.
But on Wednesday, the 43rd President congratulated Donald Trump on his resounding election victory, thanked workers on the front lines — and even praised Biden and Harris for their service.
“I congratulate President Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect JD Vance and their families,” Bush posted on Instagram
“I also thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service to our country.
George W. Bush has broken his silence on the presidential election after refusing to reveal who he voted for
“The strong turnout in these elections is a sign of the health of our republic and the strength of our democratic institutions. Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers and volunteers who oversaw free and fair elections.
“We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government. May God continue to bless our great country.”
While contemporaries of his administration, such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, controversially endorsed Kamala Harris, Bush remained silent.
President Bill Clinton previously defended Bush, saying he had made his position clear on issues such as immigration.
He also said the Republican had expressed support for his local Congressman Colin Allred, who was challenging Senator Ted Cruz in Texas.
“That’s what he’ll tell everyone, that he’s a good guy,” Clinton said of Bush’s feelings toward Allred. CNN rreports.
“He also knows that, starting with our relationship, it is very different when you are no longer in political life, when there is no competition, no consequences.
The former president congratulated Donald Trump and JD Vance on Instagram on their victory
It came after he was criticized for failing to declare his allegiance in the presidential race. Pictured: Trump and his wife Melania at an election night watch party in Palm Beach, Florida
Bush congratulated himself and his wife Laura in a post that also thanked election workers
“And I think he believes that since he was a proud Republican all these years, it’s enough for him to make clear what he believes through all of this without giving up the party he’s been with all his life. ‘
By contrast, Clinton made his allegiance clear when he hit the campaign trail for Harris.
However, his efforts were in vain as the vice president suffered a crushing defeat to Trump on Wednesday.
The president-elect’s victory was hailed as the “largest in history” after it was announced by the Associated Press around 5:30 a.m. ET.
Trump declared victory after Fox News projected him as the overall winner after decisive victories in three swing states, leaving 270 Electoral College votes out of Harris’ reach.
The official confirmation came as the battleground state of Wisconsin was called upon to push Trump to an unassailable lead.
Vice President Harris has yet to concede the election
Donald Trump during his election night event in Florida
Sources close to the Republican candidate said he had so far spent his first day as president-elect taking calls from world leaders.
Trump stormed to victory last night in both the popular vote and the electoral college, in an unmistakable sign of the enthusiasm of the American people.
With final votes still being counted, Trump has won 277 electoral college points so far – seven more than he needed
Vice President Harris has yet to concede the election. It’s understood she will also call on Trump to do so before she delivers a speech at 6pm ET.