Overview
The article discusses whether Donald Trump is the worst U.S. president ever, comparing him to historically low-ranked presidents and consulting expert historians for context. The consensus among consulted historians is that Trump ranks near or at the bottom, though definitively naming him the worst is complicated by historical nuance and the passage of time.
Comparing Trump to Past Presidents
- Nixon is cited as bad but credited with positive achievements like the EPA, unlike Trump.
- Historically poor presidents include Buchanan (pro-slavery), Harding (corruption and incompetence), Johnson (undermined Reconstruction), and Pierce (subservient to pro-slavery interests).
- Criteria for “worst” include corruption, incompetence, racism, and damage to democratic values.
- Actions weighed include separating children at the border, denying climate change, and supporting slavery or violence against Native Americans.
- Question raised about whether slave-owning presidents automatically rank among the worst.
Historian Perspectives
- Historians caution that time and more information are needed for definitive judgments.
- Trump’s presidency is criticized for lack of unity, poor COVID-19 response, and racially charged rhetoric.
- Historians group Trump near or at the bottom with Buchanan, Pierce, and Harding.
- Trump’s lack of empathy, humility, and self-reflection contrasts with qualities seen in highly regarded presidents.
Presidential Reputation Over Time
- Reputation rankings can rise or fall with new information (e.g., Truman, Eisenhower, Jackson).
- The greatest presidents—Washington, Lincoln, and FDR—enjoy enduring respect due to transformative leadership and core democratic values.
- Presidents best regarded in history are noted for empathy, humility, resilience, and self-reflection.
Conclusion from Experts
- Trump is unlikely to join the ranks of the greatest presidents and will likely be grouped historically with some of the least respected.
- The debate over whether he is definitively the single worst will persist among historians.