Who Was President After Ronald Reagan
George H. W. Bush succeeded Ronald Reagan as president of the United States. Bush, a Republican, served as vice president under Reagan before winning the 1988 election and taking office in January 1989.
George H. W. Bush Presidency Overview
Bush served one term from 1989 to 1993. His presidency focused on foreign policy, including the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and diplomatic agreements with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he faced a recession and signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How the Presidential Transition Worked
Under the U.S. Constitution, the president and vice president are elected together on the same ticket. When Reagan left office, Bush assumed the presidency through a scheduled, peaceful transfer of power. The transition included coordination between outgoing and incoming teams on policy, appointments, and national security.
Learn more about presidential transitions and the Electoral College.
