The presidency of the United States is a position of great power and responsibility, and those who hold it are expected to lead the country with wisdom, integrity, and vision. However, not all presidents have lived up to these expectations. Here is a list of the 10 worst U.S. presidents, according to historians and presidential scholars.
1. James Buchanan (1857-1861)
James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, is often considered one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. His inability to prevent the Civil War and his support for slavery earn him the top spot on this list. Buchanan’s presidency was marked by a series of controversies, including the Dred Scott decision and the Utah War.
2. Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)
Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, is another president who is often criticized for his handling of the Reconstruction era. Johnson’s opposition to the 14th Amendment and his veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 are just a few examples of his controversial policies. He was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868, but was acquitted by a single vote in the Senate.
3. Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)
Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, is often criticized for his support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. Pierce’s presidency was also marked by a series of controversies, including the Gadsden Purchase and the Ostend Manifesto.
4. Donald Trump (2017-2021)
Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is a highly polarizing figure who is often criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his immigration policies, and his response to the January 6th insurrection. Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives twice, first in 2019 and again in 2021.
5. William Henry Harrison (1841)
William Henry Harrison, the 9th president of the United States, is often criticized for his support of slavery and his treatment of Native Americans. Harrison’s presidency was cut short by his death, but his legacy is still debated among historians today.
6. John Tyler (1841-1845)
John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, is often criticized for his support of slavery and his clashes with Congress. Tyler’s presidency was marked by a series of controversies, including the Webster-Ashburton Treaty and the annexation of Texas.
7. Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)
Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, is often criticized for his support of the Fugitive Slave Act and his inability to address the issue of slavery effectively. Fillmore’s presidency was marked by a series of controversies, including the Compromise of 1850 and the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty.
8. Warren G. Harding (1921-1923)
Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States, is often criticized for his handling of the Teapot Dome scandal and his lack of leadership on key issues. Harding’s presidency was cut short by his death, but his legacy is still debated among historians today.
9. Herbert Hoover (1929-1933)
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, is often criticized for his handling of the Great Depression and his support for policies that exacerbated the crisis. Hoover’s presidency was marked by a series of controversies, including the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and the Bonus Army incident.
10. Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)
Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, is often criticized for his support of slavery and his clashes with Congress. Taylor’s presidency was cut short by his death, but his legacy is still debated among historians today.
Overall, these 10 presidents are often considered to be among the worst in U.S. history, due to their handling of key issues, their leadership styles, and their impact on the country.
Be the first to comment