The US president has warned that the US government should not throw good money after bad in its efforts to help the country's embattled car manufacturers.
He said the carmakers must prove their long-term viability.
George W Bush's comments came as the chief executives of three of the biggest players in the motor industry paid another visit to Washington in a bid to secure an increased financial rescue package. (Watch the CEOs state their case.)
His intervention has cast further doubt that the rescue plan for the carmakers will go ahead.
Ford, Chrysler and General Motors say they now need $34bn if they are to maintain operations. Yesterday they admitted errors and agreed to strict government oversight.
Today the financial services committee for the House of Representatives will hear their plea.
Chief Executive of General Motors Rick Wagoner earlier outlined to a Senate Committee what was needed to get the company through this difficult economic period.
