Melania Trump unveiled a stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House but it is George W Bush’s absence that is fueling headlines about deepening tensions between the Bush and Trump families.
A ceremony meant to honor a beloved First Lady turned into another chapter of political drama.
The White House was supposed to be celebrating the life and legacy of Barbara Bush with a commemorative stamp.
But as Melania Trump unveiled the Barbara Bush stamp George W Bush delivered one awful snub that has America talking.
George W. Bush attended the Maine ceremony but skipped the White House unveiling
The most important fact to get straight: George W. Bush did attend the Barbara Bush stamp dedication ceremony in Kennebunkport, Maine.
George W. Bush delivered remarks representing his family, emphasizing his mother’s commitment to literacy and her belief that reading was essential for children’s success.
Also attending the Maine event were former first lady Laura Bush; Mrs. Bush’s son, Neil Bush; and daughter, Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch.
The U.S. Postal Service officially released the Barbara Bush commemorative Forever stamp on Monday, June 10, in a ceremony at Ganny’s Garden in Kennebunkport, Maine, near the Bush family’s vacation home.
The dedication ceremony for the Barbara Bush stamp honored the 100th anniversary of the former first lady’s birth and the culmination of her centennial year.
Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino praised Barbara Bush’s legacy at the ceremony, noting how she understood that mail represents more than just postage – it creates connections between Americans.
The stamp features artwork from Barbara Bush’s official 2005 White House portrait by artist Chas Fagan, depicting her in elegant attire including her iconic pearl jewelry.
But the most notable news wasn’t the Maine ceremony itself – it was what happened weeks earlier when the stamp design was first unveiled at the White House.
Former President George W. Bush was notably absent from the White House event honoring his late mother, despite other Bush family members attending.
His conspicuous absence sent a clear message about the ongoing tensions between the Bush family and Donald Trump.
The Bush family’s cold shoulder continues
Dorothy Bush Koch, the youngest child of the 41st president and first lady, spoke about her mother’s impact at the White House ceremony, but neither George W. Bush nor Jeb Bush attended the event honoring their mother.
A spokesperson for George W. Bush did not respond to a request for comment about his absence from the White House event.
This wasn’t the first time George W. Bush has kept his distance from Trump.
George W. Bush has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office and has otherwise kept Trump, a fellow Republican, at arm’s length. The two have a history of mutual criticism.
George W. Bush didn’t endorse Trump in any of his presidential campaigns. In 2020, he said he didn’t vote for either Trump or Joe Biden, but rather wrote-in Condoleezza Rice, who served as his secretary of state between 2005 and 2009.
The tensions between the families run deep.
Barbara Bush herself had harsh words for Trump, writing in her diary back in 1990 that "Trump now means greed, selfishness and ugly. So sad."
Trump’s war on the Bush family legacy
The bad blood between Trump and the Bush family goes back years, but it reached a boiling point during the 2016 Republican primary campaign.
Trump stunned much of the mainstream media and set himself apart from the GOP field by focusing on labeling Jeb Bush as a "low-energy" candidate.
Trump was persistent in seizing on the Bush legacy both in rallies and over Twitter, saying in late 2015, "The last thing our country needs is another BUSH!"
Trump didn’t stop with just attacking Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign.
Trump took on the Bush administration’s handling of 9/11, the Iraq War and the 2008 economic collapse. He even threw in a jab at Jeb Bush to "bring in mommy to take a slap at me."
Trump has described George W. Bush as the "worst president ever," citing the U.S. decision to invade Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein from power.
The attacks were so vicious that they reportedly infuriated George H.W. Bush.
Jeb Bush revealed in a New Hampshire rally how incensed his father would get at the sight of Trump on television, saying "He is throwing shoes at the TV when his son gets attacked and insulted by our favorite candidate."
The elder Bush’s brutal assessment of Trump
The late George H.W. Bush didn’t mince words when it came to his opinion of Trump.
The elder Bush told author Mark Updegrove in May 2016, "I don’t like him. I don’t know much about him, but I know he’s a blowhard. And I’m not too excited about him being a leader."
George H.W. Bush confirmed that he voted for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
Barbara Bush reportedly kept a red, white and blue clock on her bedside table that counted down the days left in Trump’s presidency.
The feelings were mutual.
When asked about Barbara Bush’s criticism, Trump told the Washington Times "I have heard that she was nasty to me, but she should be. Look what I did to her sons."
Melania Trump rises above the family feud
Despite the toxic relationship between the two political families, Melania Trump took the high road during the White House ceremony.
First Lady Melania Trump said "Barbara’s unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history. The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush’s contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our Nation."
Melania admired how Barbara’s iconic speech "encouraged women to carve their own paths in life" and noted that "Over 35 years have passed since Barbara made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision."
The First Lady’s gracious remarks stood in stark contrast to the ongoing political tensions.
Barbara Bush’s lasting legacy
Barbara Bush is the eighth first lady to be honored with a U.S. postage stamp, joining the likes of Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Barbara Pierce Bush (1925-2018), wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president, was first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd president.
Barbara Bush championed literacy causes throughout her life and established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy during her time as First Lady.
Barbara Bush also wrote "Millie’s Book" in the voice of the family’s springer spaniel; "Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go A Long Way)"; "Reflections: Life After the White House"; and "Barbara Bush: A Memoir."
The stamp serves as a fitting tribute to a First Lady who transcended political divisions – something that seems increasingly rare in today’s political climate.
George W. Bush’s absence from his own mother’s White House ceremony tells you everything you need to know about how deep the wounds still run between these two Republican families.
Even death and the honor of a commemorative stamp couldn’t bring them together.
