During the second term of the Bush administration (2005-2009), several major controversies arose that garnered significant attention and debate. Some of the key controversies include:
Iraq War: The decision to invade Iraq in 2003 led to intense debate and criticism during President George W. Bush's second term. Many questioned the intelligence used to justify the invasion and criticized the handling of the subsequent occupation.
Hurricane Katrina response: The response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was widely criticized for its perceived lack of preparedness and slow federal response. The government's handling of the crisis raised questions about emergency management and exposed racial and socioeconomic disparities.
Warrantless wiretapping: The revelation of the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping program, which allowed surveillance of American citizens without court approval, sparked a heated debate about the balance between national security and civil liberties.
Guantanamo Bay and enhanced interrogation techniques: The use of enhanced interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp drew international condemnation and raised concerns about human rights abuses and the erosion of constitutional principles.
Financial crisis: The global financial crisis in 2008, which resulted in the collapse of major financial institutions and a severe economic recession, occurred during President Bush's second term. The administration faced criticism for its handling of the crisis and the subsequent bailouts.
These controversies and others had a significant impact on public opinion and shaped the political landscape during President Bush's second term in office.