Top 10 Worst United States Presidents

The United States has seen some great leaders over the years who have made significant contributions to the country's progress and development. However, not all presidents have lived up to the expectations of the people, and some have even been deemed disastrous. From failed policies and scandals to questionable leadership and ethical lapses, the presidency has seen its fair share of controversial and widely criticized individuals.

Some of these presidents may have good qualities and accomplishments, but their negative impact on the country and their lack of leadership skills make them worthy of this list. From the early days of the nation to modern times, these presidents left a lasting mark on history, and not in a positive way.

1. George W. Bush

   

   George W. Bush's administration faced failures in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, particularly in the handling of the Iraq War. The war was controversial and deeply divisive, and many criticized the Bush administration's handling of the conflict.

   Additionally, Bush's administration was criticized for its response to Hurricane Katrina, which many felt was inadequate and slow.

   Dear George W. Bush, the people who are blaming Barack Obama as the scapegoat for America's current problems are doing so largely because of YOU. I honestly can't think of one or two good things you did for the country, with the rise of ISIS being entirely due to your 2003 invasion of Iraq. You seemed to want the oil and used WMDs that weren't even there as an excuse. Sure, democracy was also a justification, but your invasion still divided Iraq because it exacerbated internal ethnic conflicts.

   Also, Barack Obama had to go and fix the recession YOU caused and is still dealing with the problems in the Middle East that you started and intensified. Yet, he is still criticized by America and perseveres despite the criticisms. You're only in 2nd place right now since TheTopTens is mostly conservative.

   I don't care if anyone calls me an Obamabot. I am just speaking with logic and reason here. George W. Bush, you will always be in 1st place as the worst US president ever, along with James Buchanan, in MY book. This is me exercising my right to freedom of speech to speak for what I believe in.

2. James Buchanan

   

   James Buchanan's administration is widely considered to be one of the least successful in American history. Buchanan failed to effectively address the issue of slavery, which was a major source of division in the country at the time. He also faced criticism for his handling of the secession crisis, which ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War.

   Absolute waste of a presidency. "Seceding is illegal, but I can't do anything about it" is pretty much a summary of his term. His literal greatest achievement is putting down a fake rebellion in Utah when the Mormons were only having a little bit of tension.

   Anyone who thinks Obama is the worst president is obviously biased for several reasons. The most obvious one is that he is the current president, and since Nixon's time, it has been fashionable to criticize the sitting president. I don't think he's a great president, but at least he didn't let the nation fall apart under him.

   Enter James Buchanan, who practically let slavery spread and did nothing to prevent the Confederacy from forming. Luckily, we had Lincoln afterward, or else the United States wouldn't be the same.

3. Barack Obama

   

   Barack Obama's administration faced failures in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The rollout of the healthcare website was marred by technical glitches, leading to public frustration and criticism.

   Additionally, Obama's administration failed to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and faced criticism for its drone strike policy.

   I'm so sick of hearing that he hasn't done anything because of Republicans in Congress. That is the lamest liberal talking point ever. Don't forget he had a Democratic House and Senate his first two years in office and still didn't accomplish anything.

   And what does he care about what Congress does? Have you seen how many Executive Orders he's signed? He does whatever he wants anyway.

   Every single measurable factor by which Presidents are judged is far worse than it was when he took office. I said the day he was elected that his mission would be to destroy this country and he's pretty much accomplished that! By far, the absolute worst President in our history!

4. Andrew Johnson

   

   Andrew Johnson's administration faced failures in the aftermath of the Civil War. Johnson faced significant opposition from Congress over his plans for Reconstruction, and his vetoes of key legislation led to a breakdown in the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. Johnson was also impeached by the House of Representatives, though he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.

   I've researched this guy quite a few times, and despite the fact that he's my least favorite, I definitely can't say he's the worst. That still doesn't make him good.

   Good job on getting Alaska. That was amazing, seeing how much gold, oil, and salmon we got out of it. But money is not worth anything compared to the rights of the people, which he took away from Black folks. If you genuinely think that DJT is the most racist president we've ever had, you clearly don't know much about this guy or Woodrow Wilson.

   Andrew Johnson has to be the worst US President this country has ever had, and if you know your history, you will agree. First, he wasn't even elected. He was VP when Lincoln (who could be our best President or at least top 3) was assassinated.

   He was the first president to be impeached. After the Civil War, when the country was in shambles and violent riots and revolts were popping up all over the country, he did more to extend the period of national disunity and contention than he did to heal the wounds of the war and the overall state of the country.

   Also, I do not believe Obama should be rated the number one worst president. Don't get me wrong, I do not think he is a good president, but there are definitely worse presidents in our history.

5. Donald Trump

   

   Donald Trump's administration faced failures in several areas, including the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was widely criticized for its lack of preparedness and ineffective response. Trump's administration was also marked by several high-profile legal and ethical controversies, such as the Russia investigation and the impeachment proceedings.

   Additionally, Trump's administration faced widespread criticism for its immigration policies and divisive rhetoric.

   Trump is the worst ever. The guy is racist, sexist, homophobic, self-serving, and extremely stupid. He spends all his time serving himself and the idiotic Republicans who bend over to appease him. While gas prices, grocery prices, health care cuts and costs, housing, etc. are sky high, he wants us to pay for a moronic ballroom, a painting of a reflecting pool, a self-serving arch, and recently a slush fund of $1.776 billion to pay the idiotic insurrectionists who invaded the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

   Of course, he believes he's smart. He is the exact opposite. The tests he claims to have "aced" are not intelligence tests. They are tests to check if one has dementia. As far as the difficulty, a normal 5th grader could pass one. Trump is a habitual liar. He gets this naturally and has passed this gene unto his children. He is only a "president" for the "right," "red" states, and "conservatives." If you are a Democrat or Independent, he doesn't acknowledge your existence and criticizes your actual "being."

   He is a clown, buffoon, idiot, moron, narcissist, liar, and terrible person all wrapped up in one. Donald Trump is a complete and utter disgrace and embarrassment to this country and its people, well, 70% of us. Hopefully, enough Democrats and Independents will get out and vote during the midterms and take over the House and Senate. Somebody or something needs to put a stop to his belligerent, corrupt, unprofessional, selfish behavior. Trump is a joke.

6. Richard Nixon

   

   Richard Nixon's administration was marred by the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation. Nixon's administration was accused of multiple illegal activities, including the cover-up of a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The scandal led to widespread public distrust of the government and damaged the reputation of the presidency.

   Everyone thinks the U.S. government is terrible thanks to him. He wanted to extend the Vietnam War, resulting in lots of deaths, war crimes, and killings in Vietnam throughout the late '60s and early '70s. He was also absolutely racist and sexist.

   He was even an anti-Semite, disrespecting Jewish Americans. Even though I am not a political person, I still think Nixon is the worst president the USA ever had, but he did show a lighter side as he helped Apollo 13 get into space.

   Nixon was a liberal Republican whom we can, in large measure, thank for the massive trade deficit we now suffer with China. But as to who hacks what and who helped whom, the visitor knows nothing about history or recent events. Nixon's crime was not the break-in at the Watergate Hotel, of which he knew nothing. It was in the cover-up after the fact. And you're clearly confused regarding who did what during the 2016 election.

7. Herbert Hoover

   

   Herbert Hoover's administration was marked by the Great Depression, which began shortly after he took office. Hoover's response to the economic crisis was widely criticized as ineffective, and his reluctance to intervene in the economy exacerbated the suffering of millions of Americans. Additionally, Hoover's foreign policy was criticized as ineffective, particularly in relation to Japan and the worsening situation in Europe.

   Herbert Hoover's policies significantly contributed to the Black Tuesday stock market crash in October 1929, catalyzing a global economic depression that lasted until the mid-1950s. The U.S. saw several presidents during this recovery period, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and to some extent, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

   It is lesser known that the collective efforts of these leaders were necessary to restore the U.S. economy to its pre-Great Depression standing. Hoover's legacy is closely tied to the economic downturn, highlighting the profound impact presidential decisions can have on global economics.

8. Andrew Jackson

   

   Andrew Jackson's administration faced criticism for its treatment of Native Americans, particularly the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands on the Trail of Tears.

   Jackson's administration was also marked by controversy over the national bank and his use of executive power. Additionally, Jackson's personal and political conflicts with members of Congress and other political leaders contributed to a divisive political climate.

   The Indian Removal Act was a despicable act by a man who was unequivocally racist and destroyed Native Americans, driving them out of their own land. Despite the unethical nature of his actions, we must acknowledge the complexity of having a nation within a nation. It is clear that displacing the natives was wrong, but the argument for American expansion was prioritized.

   The justification for expansion, worse than the concept of Manifest Destiny, suggested divine permission to eradicate others in the name of growth. Andrew Jackson, despite being a morally reprehensible individual and known for his excessive drinking, paradoxically contributed to America's growth. This makes him not only a significant but also a controversial figure in history. Despite his actions, it is difficult to label him as simply a bad president because of his impact on the country's expansion. However, he undoubtedly ranks at the top of the list of morally corrupt presidents.

9. Jimmy Carter

   

   Jimmy Carter's administration faced challenges in the form of economic recession, high inflation, and the Iranian hostage crisis. Carter's efforts to address these issues were often criticized as ineffective, and he faced criticism for his perceived lack of leadership and inability to effectively communicate with the American people.

   Additionally, Carter's administration faced criticism for its handling of foreign policy issues, particularly in relation to the Soviet Union and the Middle East.

   Before Obama, Carter was definitely the worst ever! However, where Carter tried to elicit peace in the Middle East, Obama went out of his way to support the overthrow of many Middle Eastern governments that were either supportive or neutral, by radical Muslims who then unified and strengthened terrorism. His economic "leadership" threw the US into a disastrous recession, which eventually became the key item behind his defeat in the bid for a second term.

   Carter's weak, ineffective leadership opened the door for the Iran hostage crisis. Carter is a known liar and buffoon who used to carry around empty suitcases to appear as a "common man" and often deferred to both his drunken brother and (then) 10-year-old daughter about policy items.

   He is also the only president to be so arrogant and concerned with saving his wretched legacy that he's broken the cardinal rule of speaking out negatively about other presidents and has tried to take policy action.

10. Woodrow Wilson

    

    Woodrow Wilson's administration faced failures in the aftermath of World War I, particularly in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations, which many felt were punitive towards Germany and set the stage for future conflicts. Wilson's administration also faced criticism for its handling of racial tensions, including the segregation of federal offices and the use of federal troops to suppress civil rights protests.

    The creation of the Federal Reserve under Wilson was the death of this country's liberty, as Benjamin Franklin had previously stated it would be. He was backed by the private "Federal Reserve" (implying something that is simply untrue, that it is government-owned) to be elected, in return for signing the bill that officially created the Federal Reserve. Lincoln had already been killed, and there were two assassination attempts on Johnson for printing his own money, greenbacks, instead of paying 25-36% interest to pay for the war and create such debt for the country, and for actually shutting down the First Bank, respectively.

    But Andrew Johnson was horrible in other ways. He's definitely in the top 10 worst as well. Wilson died with huge regrets, saying, "I have betrayed my country" (by signing the Federal Reserve Act). So, this redeems him somewhat in my eyes, as most of the presidents on this list are so bad, they had zero qualms about killing innocent people, American or otherwise.

    Because there are so many downright evil men on this list, I think it should be mentioned that Wilson did recognize he created a monster and regretted it greatly for the rest of his life. He did not cause WWII, but he made money off it.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Joe Biden

    

    His administration faced challenges at the southern border, with record numbers of migrant encounters creating operational strain on federal agencies. The withdrawal from Afghanistan resulted in significant logistical failures, including the rapid collapse of the Afghan government.

    I feel so bad for this man. Despite what I've seen of his history, especially how racist he was when he was a senator, I can't help but feel bad about the fact that he was NOT able to properly serve due to his dementia, on top of being pushed in AND out of the race. Poor fella...

    Joe Biden was such a bad president that it should be the worst of all. Other nations were laughing at the USA, building massive armies while Joe Biden was there like "Oh wow china is rising we have to do something" when he didn't do ANYTHING

12. ?

    William McKinley

    

    William McKinley's administration faced criticism for its handling of the Spanish-American War, which was seen by some as an unnecessary conflict. McKinley also faced criticism for his handling of the Philippine-American War, which was marked by widespread violence and human rights abuses.

    Additionally, McKinley's administration faced controversy over its handling of the issue of gold vs. silver in the U.S. monetary system, with many feeling that McKinley had not done enough to address the concerns of silver advocates.

    The right spot for him.

    Good: He won a victory over Spain in the Spanish-American War, probably the first time the USA ever won an international war (excluding the American Revolution). However, he annexed Hawaii.

    The worst. He started American imperialism, invading the Philippines, Hawaii, Guam, and others just to conquer and gain more territory. This led to a war with Spain. He was assassinated by an anarchist, and I understand the motivations.

    He was an imperialist. With the old, dying idea of Manifest Destiny, he had to annex an independent native country, Hawaii.

The Contenders

13. Bill Clinton

    

    Bill Clinton's administration faced several controversies, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the impeachment proceedings that followed. Clinton also faced criticism for his handling of foreign policy issues, particularly in relation to conflicts in the Balkans and the Middle East.

    Additionally, Clinton's administration faced criticism for its role in the financial deregulation that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.

    Bill Clinton's presidency is marred not just by his personal scandals, which hint at an abusive power dynamic, but more gravely by his war crimes. His administration's unauthorized bombing of Yugoslavia for over 60 days, without an act of aggression against a NATO member, was a clear violation of national sovereignty. This act set a precedent for presidential overreach, suggesting a president could unilaterally engage in warfare for political motives without congressional approval.

    This behavior dangerously aligns with monarchical powers, a notion the Founding Fathers explicitly warned against. Clinton's actions have had long-lasting implications on the executive power's scope in foreign interventions, challenging the constitutional balance of power.

14. Warren G. Harding

    

    Warren G. Harding's administration was marked by several scandals, including the Teapot Dome scandal, where government officials leased federal oil reserves to private companies in exchange for bribes. Harding's administration was also criticized for its handling of labor strikes, with many accusing the administration of being anti-union.

    Certainly, Harding was not a great man or great leader. However, his administration did something very significant for which it has been forgotten: it shortened the length of the deflationary depression of 1920-21 primarily by issuing debt-free silver coins to circulate among the people. Just look at the circulation of silver dollars for 1921 versus most of the earlier twentieth century.

    Following WWI, America needed a financial boost, and the Harding administration provided it. This contrasts starkly with Hoover's and FDR's Keynesian mishandling of matters that fueled the Great Depression a decade later. The claims that Harding caused the Great Depression are without foundation.

    The Great Depression was caused by too much credit and the withdrawal of that credit, the opposite of the issuance of hard money, which Harding championed. Though he was not a great man, Harding deserves a better place than 11th worst.

15. Lyndon Johnson

    

    Lyndon Johnson's administration faced failures in the Vietnam War, which was deeply unpopular with the American public and ultimately ended in a stalemate. Johnson's administration was also marked by civil rights tensions, including the Selma to Montgomery marches and the Watts riots.

    Well, he certainly knew how to use power. And now we've got people who are so reliant on the government that it's practically impossible for them to be individuals anymore.

    Don't forget that this man was racist as hell, only using the Civil Rights Act of '64 to make himself look good. Great damn job.

    Why this President isn't number one is beyond me. He didn't lead anything. The CIA is the one who pulled his strings.

    In fact, if Kennedy wasn't killed, he would have been the first Vice President in history to go to jail, just like his grandmother said would happen. He was saved by the CIA, to whom he then owed everything, and let them lead the country for those four years that put this country in the debt we are in today.

    He was the one who started it all. In fact, we would have been debt-free if Kennedy's plan had stayed in place. Johnson not being number one shows me that the American public doesn't know exactly what this man has done in the history of our country, which is a shame.

16. Franklin Pierce

    

    Franklin Pierce's administration was marked by the divisive issue of slavery, which contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. Pierce's support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for popular sovereignty in determining whether new territories would allow slavery, led to violence and further deepened the divide between North and South. Additionally, Pierce faced criticism for his handling of foreign affairs, including the Ostend Manifesto and the Gadsden Purchase.

    One word to describe this man. Tragic. All 3 of his children passed away, 2 dying young and one being nearly decapitated after he was elected, and then losing his vice president, William R. D. King. All of this led to him being drunk and barely doing anything substantial for the country. I nearly cried while learning about this tragic man.

    The country needed an active president. They also needed a president who would bring the country closer to each other. But often, when the country gets divided, it's because of the president. All of that sums up Pierce. He was so pathetic that he knew he had liver cirrhosis, yet still drank heavily.

17. Ronald Reagan

    

    Ronald Reagan's administration faced failures in the early years of the AIDS epidemic, with critics accusing Reagan of not doing enough to address the crisis. Reagan's administration also faced criticism for its involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, where officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

    People on here who say he was a great president are very ignorant. Ronald Reagan created and wanted huge deficits. He wanted a rationale to dismantle the public sector or any part of the government that helped the average person. He was a toady to the top 1% and put the nation on the path of globalization and "trickle down." He wanted to give away what was best about our society to the very rich.

    He contemptuously defied the Constitution by illegally selling arms to Iran. He funded the Contras of Nicaragua, violating the Boland Amendment of Congress. He called the Contras "Freedom Fighters," when in fact, they destroyed schools and health clinics.

    Reagan gutted health and safety laws. He put James A. Watt in charge of the environment. Reagan said that ketchup in a school lunch constituted a vegetable. Reagan was a sadist through and through. The people here who think he is great are not educated.

18. Millard Fillmore

    

    His support of the Compromise of 1850 included signing the Fugitive Slave Act, which expanded federal enforcement powers against escaped enslaved people. His foreign policy efforts in Asia, including the Perry Expedition, faced criticism for contributing to increased international tensions.

    How little this man did for the good of the country is laughable, along with his greatest accomplishment causing even more problems for the growing tensions leading to potential civil war.

    A hypocrite. It is up to the state if they want slavery or not, but slave-free states should help catch escaped slaves and return them to their masters in the slave states.

    He was one of the laziest presidents ever. He was the last president of the Whig party. He is the most forgotten president ever.

19. Ulysses S. Grant

    

    Ulysses S. Grant's administration faced scandals and corruption, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War. Grant's presidency was marred by the Whiskey Ring scandal and the Credit Mobilier scandal, both of which involved government officials engaging in illegal activities. Additionally, Grant's administration faced criticism for its treatment of Native Americans and its failure to address civil rights issues.

    His era was rife with corruption because he was very trusting of people who were taking advantage of his power. He ultimately has to be considered among the top people responsible for the mess that was Washington during this time period.

    As was said earlier, perhaps the greatest general in U.S. history, but his undeniable skills didn't translate well to his presidency. It was a horrible black hole of corruption in any honest reading of U.S. history. Not as bad as Andrew Johnson, whom he preceded (and who was undoubtedly the worst president of all time), but definitely among the top 10 worst presidents to date.

    Never used his cabinet, nor listened to the advice of family members. Allowed criminal activity over the land. He may have saved America in the American Civil War, but he was a terrible president who never got to experience a second term.

20. John Tyler

    

    John Tyler's administration faced several failures, including his expulsion from the Whig Party and his inability to pass significant legislation. Tyler also faced criticism for his handling of the Texas annexation, which was controversial at the time. Additionally, his administration was marked by economic difficulties and high levels of government debt.

    A Whig member who didn't stand for the rights of the people the Whigs were literally fighting for. No wonder you got kicked out of your own party and are, by technicality, the most useless president we've ever had.

    He never did anything. How could he be in the Whig party? Voters after 1833 have no common sense.

    From 1840-1844 as president, is there anything he is known for? He should be higher up. Probably the worst president of the Reconstruction period along with Andrew Johnson.

    Instigated the Mexican-American War, supported slavery and slave-holding interests, and betrayed the country for the Confederacy. Achieved nothing positive.

21. George H. W. Bush

    

    George H. W. Bush's administration faced criticism for its handling of the economy during his presidency, particularly the recession that occurred early in his term. Bush also faced controversy over his decision to invade Panama and the Gulf War, as well as criticism for not doing enough to address the AIDS epidemic.

    He was a bad conservative, just like Reagan. He lost in a landslide to a far younger candidate, Bill Clinton. He gave birth to a monster who barely won the 2000 election.

    I guess he did undo "Reaganomics," so the middle and lower class didn't have to cough up the cash, while the rich had tax cuts. So, I guess that was good.

    This is the worst, most criminal of them all, and his family were the termites in our government, going all the way back to the late 1800s. The Bush family gave our future over to the greedy banks and set the precedent for all of the crooked government leaders we have to deal with today.

22. Gerald Ford

    

    Gerald Ford's administration faced several failures, including his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon, which damaged his credibility and reputation. Ford's administration also faced significant economic challenges, including high levels of inflation and unemployment. Additionally, his administration faced criticism for its handling of the Vietnam War and the subsequent refugee crisis.

    Almost everyone who has played golf with him remembers President Ford saying, "I'm going to burn in Hell forever for two things: the Warren Commission and pardoning Nixon. I did both in the name of unity, but I sold my soul doing it."

    Was pushed into office by Nixon's stupid mistakes. What was the poor man to do? Didn't run another term.

    Knew he couldn't handle it. Think about it: first Agnew went down, then Nixon.

    My mom hated him because he pardoned Nixon.

23. Zachary Taylor

    

    Zachary Taylor's administration was marked by his sudden death just 16 months into his presidency, so his administration did not have time to experience significant failures. However, his administration did face challenges related to the debate over slavery and its expansion into new territories.

    It is hard to say he did anything good while president, especially considering he died from eating cherries and buttermilk. Although, like Grant, he is considered okay because of what they did during wars. Taylor is the hero from the Mexican-American War, and Grant won the Civil War, but they weren't presidents when that happened.

    If he had lived longer, perhaps history would have judged him better. As the last US President to be a slave owner, he was just on the wrong side of history.

    It's not fair because he only served for 16 months (1 year and 4 months).

24. William Harrison

    

    William Harrison's administration was one of the shortest in American history, as he died just 32 days after taking office. As a result, his administration did not have time to accomplish much.

    You really can't say much about the guy. He died only a month after he was inaugurated, which is to say he was unable to do anything remarkable or detrimental throughout his entire presidential run. Whether he could have been a president who would have been seen as a U.S. paragon like George Washington or a presidential disgrace like George W. Bush is really up to your thoughts and imaginations.

    He said, "I can survive in rain without a coat." I swear he got sick and didn't wear a coat at all. He was showing off.

    Is he God or Jesus? No. He is so stupid.

25. Martin Van Buren

    

    Martin Van Buren's administration faced failures in the economic sphere, particularly with the Panic of 1837. The economic downturn was severe and long-lasting, leading to widespread unemployment and financial hardship for many Americans. Van Buren's administration was criticized for its response to the crisis, which many felt was inadequate.

    He may actually be the worst President. People here are saying he was a victim of Jackson's screw-ups, which undermines how spectacularly he screwed up in his own right.

    While Wilson destroyed freedom of speech and tortured suspects, and Bush destroyed privacy, Van Buren did something debatably worse. He allowed Lilburn Boggs to pass Executive Order 44. This criminalized the Mormon faith in Missouri and legalized the killing of Mormons. He knew it was wrong but told the Mormon community that while he sympathized with their plight, interfering could hurt his reelection chances.

    He continued Jackson's failed policies. If you look at the data, just as many, if not more, Native Americans were killed during Van Buren's administration than in Jackson's.

26. Franklin D. Roosevelt

    

    Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration faced failures in its response to the Holocaust. Many have criticized Roosevelt for not doing enough to save Jewish refugees and for his administration's policy of not bombing Auschwitz.

    Additionally, Roosevelt's administration faced controversy over the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

    FDR's policies undoubtedly prolonged the Depression. His endless make-work projects did very little to actually provide a viable long-term solution to the nation's financial problems. His decision to raise interest rates in 1937 plunged the country deeper into recession and ensured that the US would not further recover until WWII.

    However, FDR's most egregious sin was introducing Keynesian deficit spending, which essentially guaranteed the US would accumulate massive national debt. The problems caused by this reckless spending strategy persist today, with the US currently shouldering an 18-trillion-dollar debt.

27. Benjamin Harrison

    

    His presidency saw a sharp increase in federal spending following the passage of the McKinley Tariff, which raised consumer costs. His administration also oversaw a substantial rise in the national deficit despite earlier calls for fiscal restraint.

    Well, it's not like he's known anyway.