Remembering Hurricane Katrina and Its Political Aftermath

Analysis

Remembering Hurricane Katrina and Its Political Aftermath

How George W. Bush's response swept away compassionate conservatism. August 27, 2025, 12:01 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

A woman holds a baby in her arms feeding it a bottle. Behind her is the roof of the Superdome with National Guard soldiers milling about.

Twenty years ago, Americans watched in shock as Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans, as well as other parts of the Gulf Coast. The situation only deteriorated as state and local government officials failed to respond effectively while President George W. Bush and the federal government languished. Hurricane Katrina became one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, killing an estimated 1,400 people and leaving behind more than $200