The "Worst" U.S. Presidents: The 6 Worst Leaders of the Country

America has had many presidents, but some of them are remembered not for their great reforms, but for their complete failures. Who was the worst of them all: the one who led the country into the Civil War, the one who was nearly removed from office through impeachment, or the one whose name has become synonymous with corruption? Let’s take a closer look at who was truly the worst leader in U.S. history—and why.

I

James Buchanan (1857–1861) – a man who did nothing when he should have done at least something

America is on the brink of civil war. The North and the South are already poised to fight over slavery, and everyone needs a leader who will either resolve the situation or at least decide which side to support.

What did he do? Exactly nothing. He believed that slavery was not his problem and stated that the states should decide for themselves. When the South began talking about seceding from the United States, he simply spread his arms. As a result, by the time he left office, half the country was already ready to revolt, and Abraham Lincoln had to clean up the mess.

Why is he the worst? It's as if the captain of a ship saw an iceberg and said: "Well, that's not my problem." — and went to bed. The civil war broke out a couple of months after he left.

II

Andrew Johnson (1865–1869) – a president who was his own worst enemy

America had just emerged from the Civil War. Lincoln had been assassinated, the country was in ruins, and the North wanted to punish the South for its rebellion. Black Americans had just gained their freedom and needed to be integrated into society.

What did he do? As a staunch racist, he immediately began sabotaging all reforms aimed at rebuilding the country. He blocked laws that would have helped former slaves, and he was so stubborn that Congress eventually decided to simply throw away through impeachment (but they fell one vote short).

Why is he the worst? He literally prevented help the country heal the wounds of war. After he left office, the South passed laws that essentially made Black people second-class citizens. In short, Johnson is the kind of guy who tears the team apart just to make everyone’s life miserable.

III

Warren Harding (1921–1923) – A Party That Went Too Far

America had weathered World War I and the Spanish flu, and people wanted to have fun. The Roaring Twenties were beginning: jazz, alcohol (despite Prohibition), and a general sense of euphoria.

What did he do? He had absolutely no control over his administration, and his friends began embezzling public funds. For example, one of his ministers sold the country's oil reserves to private companies in exchange for bribes.

Why is he the worst? Because his administration was synonymous with corruption. Harding himself died of a heart attack (perhaps after realizing just how bad things had become). After his death, a slew of scandals came to light, and he became a symbol of failure.

IV

Richard Nixon (1969–1974) – the president who recorded himself cheating

At the height of the Cold War, Nixon was a tough politician: he opened a dialogue with China and signed nuclear agreements with the USSR. But he had one small The problem was that he was pathologically suspicious.

What did he do? He organized a spying operation against his political opponents—his people broke into the Democrats’ office (in the Watergate building) and planted bugs. When this came to light, he tried to cover it up by recording a conversation with his administration about the matter.

Why is he the worst? He is the only U.S. president who retired. The whole country looked at him and thought: "You couldn't have been that dumb, could you?" – But yes, he was.

V

George W. Bush (2001–2009) – Wars, Crises, and Hurricanes

In the early 2000s, America was reeling from 9/11, and the public was demanding action.

What did he do? First, the invasion of Afghanistan (which was still logical), and then Iraq (where they didn’t find any weapons of mass destruction, but they did create chaos). Then came the 2008 financial crisis and Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans, and the government handled it so poorly that people were literally dying in their flooded homes without help.

Why is he the worst? His reign has been marked by nothing but chaos and crises. He started wars that lasted for decades and left the economy in ruins.

VI

Donald Trump (2017–2021) – the most controversial president

America is in turmoil: one half of the country hates the other, fake news is everywhere, and all anyone does is argue on Twitter.

What did he do? He actually accomplished a lot: he cut taxes and strengthened the economy, but he also created a terrible divide in society. The scandals never stopped: there were two attempts to impeach him (Russia, Ukraine, the storming of the Capitol), he ignored the pandemic, and his followers literally stormed the Capitol.

Why is he the worst (according to half the country)? Because he has divided the nation like no one before him. People either adore him or believe he has destroyed democracy. Donald Trump's controversial actions during his previous presidency led to the fact that in polls among historians and the public more than once was called one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. It's an open question, but it exactly one of the most controversial presidents in history.

If we're talking about a complete failure, then James Buchanan – He’s the champion because he just sat back and watched the country fall apart. But when it comes to corruption, failed decisions, or scandals—there are plenty of contenders.