Donald Trump inauguration: What George W Bush really thought

WE all wondered what George W Bush was really thinking when Donald Trump was sworn in. Now, we know.

less than 2 min read

March 31, 2017 - 2:31PM

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (right) talks to former President George W. Bush at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20. Picture: Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

WE all wondered what George W Bush was really thinking when the 45th President of the United States was sworn in.

Now, according to three people who were there when Donald Trump took the oath of office, we know.

Mr Bush, who had been a vocal critic of Mr Trump during the election campaign, attended the inauguration along with dozens of other political leaders, but left soon after the President’s speech.

Along with Democratic rival and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and husband Bill, Mr Bush attended with former First Lady Laura Bush to honour the peaceful transfer of power.

Former President Bill Clinton (left), wife Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol during Mr Trump’s inauguration. Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

But while he didn’t comment on the inauguration itself, three people told New York magazine what Mr Bush said when Mr Trump left the lectern.

“That was some weird s***”,” he reportedly said according to three people who heard him say it.

Mr Bush has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office in 2009, but his criticism of Mr Trump is well-known.

Mr Bush didn’t stay long following Mr Trump’s speech. Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP

The former POTUS even said he’d vote for Hillary Clinton after his brother Jeb was defeated in the primaries.

And while he appeared to (mostly) hold his tongue at the inauguration, Mr Bush looked far from impressed at times and even became a meme after he struggled to put a poncho on.