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Introduction: A Controversial Debate
The question of who ranks as the worst president in U.S. history is one of the most debated topics among historians, political analysts, and the general public. Over time, certain names have consistently appeared at the bottom of presidential rankings, including James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and more recently, Donald Trump. As of March 2025, Joe Biden also faces significant criticisms, but historical context suggests his legacy is still evolving.
In this analysis, we will evaluate the key factors that contribute to a president being ranked among the worst, including economic performance, foreign policy decisions, crisis management, and overall leadership failures. By comparing historical assessments with contemporary evaluations, we aim to determine whether Biden, Trump, or any other leader holds the title of “worst president” in American history.
Historical Context: Key Candidates for Worst President
James Buchanan (1857–1861)
Buchanan is frequently ranked as the worst U.S. president due to his failure to address the growing sectional tensions that led to the Civil War. His endorsement of the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution and his inaction as Southern states began to secede earned him widespread condemnation. Historians argue that his lack of leadership during this critical period directly contributed to the nation’s bloodiest conflict.
Andrew Johnson (1865–1869)
Johnson, who took office after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, is widely criticized for his obstruction of Reconstruction and his opposition to civil rights legislation. His vetoes of key Reconstruction bills and his leniency toward former Confederates undermined efforts to integrate freed slaves into American society. Johnson was also the first president to be impeached, though he narrowly avoided removal from office.
Donald Trump (2017–2021)
In the 2024 APSA (American Political Science Association) survey, Trump was ranked as the worst president ever, scoring 10.92/100. His presidency was marked by controversies, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the January 6 Capitol riot, and ongoing election denialism. While some supporters praise his economic policies and foreign relations strategies, his overall impact on democratic institutions has led many historians to rank him at the bottom.
Joe Biden (2021–2025?)
Biden’s presidency has been defined by economic struggles, an ongoing border crisis, and foreign policy challenges. While he has not yet been included in major historical rankings, his performance is already the subject of intense debate. Critics argue that his policies have exacerbated inflation, weakened national security, and strained U.S. global relations. However, his long-term ranking remains uncertain, as historical perspectives evolve over time.
Economic Challenges and Inflation Under Biden
One of the most significant criticisms of Biden’s presidency is his handling of the economy, particularly inflation.
- Inflation Surge: Inflation peaked at 9% in 2022, the highest in four decades, with a cumulative rate of 20.1% over his first 45 months, compared to 7.1% during Trump’s first 45 months (Forbes).
- Household Costs: Reports indicate that Biden’s policies contributed to a $15,133 annual increase in expenses for a typical family of four by 2023 (House Budget Committee).
- Public Perception: A March 2024 CBS News poll found that only 38% of Americans viewed the economy positively, compared to 65% under Trump (Wikipedia).
Despite job growth and GDP improvements, public sentiment remains largely negative due to the high cost of living and economic instability.
Border Crisis and Immigration
Biden has faced bipartisan criticism over his immigration policies, particularly regarding record-high border crossings.
- Record Crossings: Over 10.3 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have occurred under Biden, compared to 3.1 million from 2017-2020 under Trump (House Committee on Homeland Security).
- Security Concerns: Reports indicate at least 2 million known “gotaways,” raising concerns about crime and national security (Heritage Foundation).
- Policy Reversals: The Biden administration reversed several Trump-era border policies, which critics argue incentivized illegal immigration (NPR).
These issues have contributed to ongoing debates about the administration’s ability to manage national security and immigration effectively.
Foreign Policy and Global Standing
Biden’s foreign policy decisions have also drawn significant scrutiny.
- Afghanistan Withdrawal: The chaotic withdrawal in 2021 left $7 billion in U.S. military equipment in Taliban hands (House Budget Committee).
- Russia-Ukraine War: Delays in sending weapons to Ukraine have weakened global confidence in U.S. leadership (Foreign Policy).
- Israel-Gaza Conflict: Biden’s support for Israel during its Gaza campaign has sparked international criticism (The Nation).
While Biden aimed to restore multilateralism, analysts argue his policies have had mixed results, particularly in the Global South.
Presidential Rankings and Survey Methodologies
Different historian surveys rank presidents based on leadership, economic performance, crisis management, and moral authority. Below is a summary of historical rankings:
| Survey | Year | Buchanan Rank | Johnson Rank | Trump Rank | Biden Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APSA | 2024 | 44 | 43 | 45 | Not Ranked |
| Siena | 2022 | 44 | 45 | 43 | Not Ranked |
| C-SPAN | 2021 | 44 | 43 | 41 | Not Ranked |
| APSA | 2018 | 43 | 40 | 44 | Not Ranked |
| Siena | 2010 | 42 | 43 | – | Not Ranked |
While Buchanan and Johnson consistently rank among the worst, Trump’s recent low ranking reflects contemporary perspectives. Biden’s placement will depend on future historical assessments.
Conclusion: Who Is the Worst?
While Biden’s presidency has faced severe criticism, historical context suggests that he does not yet surpass Buchanan or Johnson in terms of long-term national damage.
- Buchanan’s failures directly contributed to the Civil War.
- Johnson’s obstruction of Reconstruction worsened racial inequities for generations.
- Trump’s controversies, particularly the January 6 storming of the capital, have led recent surveys to rank him last.
- Biden’s struggles with inflation, border security, and foreign policy are significant, but his overall legacy remains in flux.
Given these factors, as of March 2025, Buchanan remains the most frequently cited “worst president,” though Trump’s ranking may evolve. Biden’s position in historical rankings will depend on the long-term impact of his policies and how future historians assess his administration.
Key Citations
- APSA Presidential Rankings 2024 (The Guardian)
- C-SPAN Presidential Historians Survey 2021
- Siena College Presidential Rankings 2022
- House Budget Committee Reports on Inflation & Foreign Policy
- Heritage Foundation & NPR Reports on Immigration
- Forbes & Wikipedia Economic Data
