President George W Bush stressed high ethical standards and his bipartisanship on his first day at the office but immediately saw his message competing with a controversial anti-abortion decision.
Trying to set a new White House tone after the scandals of the Clinton years, Bush ordered his staff to uphold the highest ethical standards and even confront him if necessary.
But controversy quickly erupted over Bush's decision to sign an executive order banning federal funds from going to international family planning agencies that provide abortions or abortion counseling.
"It is my conviction that taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortions or advocate or actively promote abortion, either here or abroad," Bush said in a copy of the order.
The move, reversing the policy of the Clinton administration, was timed to support thousands of anti-abortion protesters rallying in Washington to mark the 28th anniversary of the US Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision to legalise abortion.
"We share a great goal: To work toward a day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law," Bush said in a statement read to the protesters.
Family planning groups reacted with dismay, although the potential impact of a Bush order remained unclear. Anti-abortion activists were delighted.
Reuters