George W. Bush says Americans 'don't pay attention to the lesson of 9/11'

Updated on: September 10, 2026 / 2:34 PM EDT / CBS News

George W. Bush says Americans 'don't pay attention to the lesson of 9/11'

TL;DR

  • George W. Bush believes Americans are not paying attention to the lessons of 9/11.
  • He warns against isolationist periods, stating that what happens overseas directly impacts national security.
  • Bush spoke at his presidential library in Dallas with Condoleezza Rice, his former national security adviser.
  • He believes the U.S. should support people struggling against tyranny, even if it doesn't involve sending troops.
  • Bush recalled his experience of becoming a wartime president on 9/11 and the need to rally the nation.
  • He and Rice remembered the chaos of 9/11, including orders for planes to land or be shot down.
  • Bush visited Ground Zero after the attacks, prioritizing helping the country return to normal and not lose its soul.
  • He visited a mosque after 9/11 due to concerns about harassment of women of color and to reaffirm the freedom to worship.
  • Bush and Rice discussed the need to shift to a 'Sept. 12' mentality to go on the offense and prevent future attacks.