What was a major focus of George W. Bush's presidency?

The major focus of George W. Bush's presidency was the beginning of the War on Terror. This initiative was launched in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which profoundly shaped U.S. domestic and foreign policy during his administration. The invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 aimed to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power, marking a significant shift in U.S. military strategy and global engagement.

Bush emphasized the necessity of defending national security and combating terrorism on a global scale, which led to extensive military campaigns and a reevaluation of U.S. intelligence and defense policies. This focus on the War on Terror influenced many subsequent actions during his presidency, including the justification for the 2003 invasion of Iraq under the argument of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

While other choices reflect important aspects of his presidency, they are not as defining. For instance, the North American Free Trade Agreement was established before his presidency, fiscal stimulus measures were not a prominent focus early in his administration, and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell occurred later under President Obama.