Jenna Busher Hager Talks America at 250 With Dad George W. Bush
It's the father-daughter moment we never realized we needed. Today'sJenna Bush Hager recently sat down with her dad, former President George W. Bush, to talk about family, the future, and America's 250th birthday.
Bush (that is, George W.) wasn't the only past president to open up during this interview. The anchor also spoke with Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. But it was the familial connection between the two Bushes that took this particular interview to the next level.
The Today host started with an all-too-common scenario, saying, "Family members can't sit across from one another and debate." Of course, her father disagreed, noting, "We can." Jenna jumped in with, "And we have." If only we could be a fly on the wall of that family conversation!
With Ametrica's 250th birthday coming up this summer, Bush Hager continues the discussion, asking her dad, "What can help us bring us back to each other?"
Former POTUS Bush explains, "One of the things about the 250th is it gives us the chance to focus on the common good and the wonders of this country. The history of this country." He continues, "I am not concerned about the long-term health of our country. Because I've studied enough history to know that we've been through periods of intense anger and intense rivalry of ideas. But the beauty of democracy, Jen, is that it's self-correcting.
Bush also adds, "I'm going to encourage citizens to participate in the process and if you don't like what's going on…vote."
Political observers have their view of Bush. But he's a person just like the rest of us. And with that in mind, the former president talks candidly about opening up to others with different views.
Bush recounts a time when he handed former FLOTUS Michelle Obama an Altoid during a public event. While he really didn't see the big deal in his seemingly small action, the former president ended up trending.
Unsure as to why anyone cared that he handed Obama a mint, he explains. "And it turns out the country is starved to see a white center republican and an African American center left democrat having fun and being able to converse, not as political figures but as citizens. And I intend to continue to try to do that."
What do Bush fans (and maybe some former foes) think of the interview? Today posted a clip to Instagram, and people have a lot to say about the former president. One commenter wrote, "Never thought I'd say it…but I actually miss President Bush, he's so funny," and another chimed in with, "I listened to him speak at a conference, and I will say it was amazing to listen to him. He spoke about his dad and mom, his wife and children, and it was so inspirational. He has a great sense of humor."
Bush (this time Bush Hager) concludes the interview by asking each of the former presidents what their message to Americans is on the almost-eve of the country's 250th birthday. Her father shares, "My message is to consider yourself fortunate to be a part of a great nation. Study our history so you have a better sense of what the future will be like. And be a citizen, not a spectator. And by that I mean participate in the process and also love a neighbor like you would love yourself." Now that's some sage advice to follow!
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:36 PM.