Several high-profile politician around the world, once in their lifetime, get in the news for their possible or rumoured affairs. U.S. Presidents are no less, and rumours of an alleged affair involving George H. W. Bush or George Bush Sr., have resurfaced over the years. Although the alleged speculations have been repeatedly denied, the infamous affair controversy has cast a shadow over the former president and his family, which also includes his son, George W. Bush, another former president of the United States.
Reportedly, the claims date back to the 1980s, when whispers began that George Bush was having an extramarital affair with Jennifer Fitzgerald, a longtime assistant who worked with him during his time as vice president. The speculation remained largely behind the scenes until it gained wider coverage in 1992, during his re-election campaign.
In the same year, author Susan B. Trento mentioned the “alleged” affair in her book The Power House. It brought back the rumours into the public eye. However, back then, George Bush quickly refuted the claims, saying that “It’s a lie,” in an interview.
Jennifer Fitzgerald was Bush’s aide from 1974 until he became president and he had to send her off to a job at the State Department as stories swirled around about her.
— obrero (@srobrero) May 11, 2025
Even his political opponent, Bill Clinton, defended him on the issue during the heated 1992 elections. Despite the political stakes, Clinton supported George Bush’s denial of the affair, adding an unusual agreement of nature between opponents.
Years later, the topic resurfaced again. It was reflected in The Matriarch, a 2019 biography of Barbara Bush written by Susan Page. The book noted that the allegations affected both his successful 1988 presidential campaign and his failed bid in 1992. However, Page emphasised that all the crucial people involved – George Bush, Barbara, and Fitzgerald – have denied the affair.
Jennifer Fitzgerald was Bush’s aide from 1974 until he became president and he had to send her off to a job at the State Department as stories swirled around about her.
— obrero (@srobrero) May 11, 2025
The biography also looked into Barbara Bush’s personal struggles, including having suicidal thoughts. These started when her husband was appointed CIA director by Gerald Ford. Some sources cited in the book pointed to Fitzgerald’s close connection to Bush Sr., though no direct evidence was presented.
However, on the contrary, many individuals believe the affair did take place. Sharon Bush, who was married to George Bush’s son Neil, has publicly supported the claims. Additionally, her own marriage failed due to infidelity.
Moreover, online discussions continue to reflect the divided views. One person in 2025 said online that there is no “concrete” proof that it happened, and that speculations are not proof.
