George HW Bush Health Update: Former President Remains In ICU But Stable During Trump's Inauguration

Former President George H.W. Bush was in stable condition but remained in intensive care Friday during the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The 92-year-old was admitted to the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital Saturday after complaining of shortness of breath.

“President Bush is comfortable and watching inauguration coverage together with Mrs. Bush, their son Neil and daughter-in-law Maria,” read a statement released Friday by his office. “President Bush will remain in the ICU for observation.”

Bush was transferred to the ICU Wednesday, where he responded well to treatment, according to spokesman Jim McGrath. The former president had been intubated to clear his airway but the tubes were removed Friday and Bush was breathing on his own “with minimal supplemental oxygen,” his office reported.

His wife, Barbara Bush, was also taken to the hospital Wednesday after experiencing “fatigue and coughing.” The former first lady was feeling better but would remain in the hospital over the weekend as a precaution, the Friday statement said.

Both Bush and his wife had no plans to attend the inauguration.

“Barbara and I are so sorry we can’t be there for your inauguration on January 20th,” said a letter from Bush to Donald Trump dated Jan. 10. “My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it will likely put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.”

Bush did not endorse Trump or publicly denounce him. His wife, on the other hand, voiced her opinion on the now president.

“I mean, unbelievable. I don’t know how some women can vote for someone who said what he said about Megyn Kelly, it’s terrible,” she told CBS in February.

Bush was the 41st president and served from 1989 to 1993. He also served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, chief of the U.S. Liason Office in China, chairman of the Republican National Convention and director of the CIA.

Bush’s son, former President George W. Bush, attended the inauguration alongside his wife, Laura.