The 10 Worst U.S. Presidents, According to Both Conservatives and Liberals

Being the President of the United States is not only one of the hardest jobs to get, but it’s also exceptionally challenging to do well. No matter how hard a president tries to do what’s best for the country, there will always be those who dislike his methods and decisions. However, there are some presidents who fared worse than others in the minds of Americans. Here are the ten worst presidents of all time. 

But during Taylor’s year in the Oval Office, Americans were already dissatisfied with his lackluster leadership. Many argued (and still do) that he was too nonpolitical, apathetic, and simply unprepared for the role. 

Although not directly involved due to his early death, his presidency coincided with critical debates over territories acquired in the Mexican-American War, indirectly influencing the sectional crisis that escalated into conflict.

Many historians say Hoover fueled international trade wars, was far too fiscally conservative, and generally presented as uncaring and even mean. Overall, he was neither well-loved nor appreciated by his constituents. 

This event severely damaged Hoover’s reputation and highlighted his administration’s failure to address the economic and social needs of suffering Americans.

Apparently, Harding had appointed several corrupt officials to important positions and had several extramarital affairs, which led to the births of children who he publicly denounced. Now, in regard to personal integrity, Harding is certainly considered one of the worst presidents of all time.

Harding’s failure to manage his appointees allowed them to siphon off oil reserves for personal gain, which only came to light after his death, leaving a legacy tainted by scandal and inefficiency.

The Compromise of 1850 allowed slavery to continue and even included the Fugitive Slave Law, which ensured the federal government would return runaway slaves to their homes in the South. This decision led to thousands of slaves being apprehended and forced back into slavery for more than a decade, a decision that every modern person considers unconscionable. 

This act was one of his most controversial decisions, deepening the North-South divide and exacerbating sectional tensions that were already near breaking point.

The only real significant decision he made during his month-long tenure was to ensure more land for settlers. Of course, this was at the peril of the Native Americans already living on that land. Of all the US presidents, Harrison could be considered the worst enemy of the Native American people. 

His short presidency continued these policies, which would have long-lasting negative impacts on Native American communities.

President Theodore Roosevelt later called Pierce “a servile tool of men worse than himself … ever ready to do any work the slavery leaders set him.”

This move, driven by Southern interests, was widely criticized and seen as an attempt to extend slavery, further straining relations between the North and South.

As a senator, Tyler was a staunch Jefferson Republican who protected tariffs and states’ rights. However, he changed his tune when running for vice president and became a Democrat. But then, during his presidency, he went back to his extremely conservative Republican ways, shocking and frustrating his voters.

This decision was highly controversial and exacerbated sectional tensions, setting the stage for conflict and division within the United States.

Johnson famously said, “This is a country for white men, and by God, as long as I am President, it shall be a government for white men,” and was a staunch supporter of slavery. He vetoed the Civil Rights Bill and refused to compromise with Congress on any legislation at all, making him undoubtedly one of the worst presidents of all time. 

His policies failed to address the needs of newly emancipated African Americans and set back efforts to rebuild and integrate the Southern states into the Union post-Civil War.

Those who agree he was one of the worst presidents of all time argue that he did little to nothing to protest Americans and their economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, that he egregiously attacked the working class, stopped funding for Social Security, and took away Americans’ right to healthcare, just to name a few. 

These actions were criticized for undermining global and domestic efforts to combat climate change, reflecting a broader trend in his administration’s deregulatory agenda.

Buchanan is best known for being the president before Abraham Lincoln, and although that is certainly a tough spot to be in, as Lincoln is widely considered one of the best presidents of all time, Buchanan made his fair share of mistakes. He supported slavery, allowed the Southern states to secede, put the country at risk of civil war, and completely failed to keep the nation’s finances in order. 

This decision, alongside his ineffective leadership, pushed the nation closer to division and civil war.

With the presidential election right around the corner, it’s more important than ever before that Americans understand the long history of its presidents and, specifically, who the worst presidents were. 

Emphasizing effective communication and crisis management skills is essential, as is the ability to adapt to changing national and global landscapes.

This approach not only aids in effective governance but also in maintaining the trust and respect of the electorate.