Presidential ranking: Where Donald Trump stands among the worst presidents in US history

It takes a brave individual to give a bold opinion on politics in the modern world, such are the number of avenues for those in disagreement to furiously bite back. But that’s what the folks over at US News have done with their brazen attempt to rank the worst presidents in the history of the United States.

How the worst American presidents were decided

Rather than based on opinion, however, the list averages presidential rankings from Siena College’s 2022 Presidential Expert Poll, C-SPAN’s 2021 Presidential Historians Survey and the Presidential Greatness Survey conducted by professors at the University of Houston and Coastal Carolina University in 2024.

And yes, current incumbent Donald Trump is in the top (or should that be bottom?) 10...

Worst US presidents in history ranked

9=. Zachary Taylor, Whig (March 1849 to July 1950)

One of eight presidents to die while in office. Fell ill after celebrating the July 4 holiday.

9=. Herbert Hoover, Republican (March 1929 to March 1933)

Fueled trade wars and made the Great Depression “greater” than it otherwise might have been. Considered a poor communicator.

7=. Millard Fillmore, Whig (July 1850 to March 1853)

Supported the Compromise of 1850, which included the Fugitive Slave Law, compelling the federal government to return fugitive slaves to their masters.

7=. John Tyler, Whig (April 1841 to March 1845)

The first president to rise from the vice presidency by succession after William Harrison died from pneumonia only a month into his term. A staunch defender of slavery.

6. Warren G. Harding, Republican (March 1921 to August 1923)

Another of the eight presidents who died in office. Admitted he was “not fit for this office,” which he proved with his involvement in corruption and scandals.

5. William Henry Harrison, Whig (March 1841 to April 1841)

The aforementioned Harrison, who preceded Tyler, is in simply down to how short his presidency was (30 days). The first to die in office. Did little else, as he didn’t have time.

4. Franklin Pierce, Democratic (March 1853 to March 1857)

Believed the abolitionist movement was a threat to the nation’s unity, and expanded borders by adding slave states. A move which ultimately led to the American Civil War.

3. Donald Trump, Republican (January 2017 to January 2021, January 2025 to present)

According to C-SPAN’s Presidential Leadership survey, Trump doesn’t rank highly in any “leadership characteristics”. Of the 44 US presidents, he was rated last for moral authority and administrative skills, and was only ranked 33rd best in his so-called strongest suit, public persuasion.

2. Andrew Johnson, National/Union, Democratic (April 1865 to March 1869)

Resisted policies aimed at securing the rights and well-being of the newly emancipated African-Americans. Survived impeachment after encouraging opposition to the 14th Amendment, as well as other Reconstruction initiatives.

1. James Buchanan, Democratic (March 1857 to March 1861)

Rejected slavery as an “indefensible evil” but refused to challenge it and allowed it to expand. Also failed to stop the growing bloc of states that became the Confederacy, who warred against the United States in the American Civil War.

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