Top 10 Most Badass U.S. Presidents
The United States of America has had some pretty extraordinary leaders throughout its history. While some were known for their diplomacy and others for their eloquence, there are a select few who can truly be classified as "badass." These are the men who, in addition to being intelligent and strategic, were also brave, daring, and even downright ruthless when it came to protecting their country and its citizens.From war heroes to trailblazers, these presidents proved time and again that they were not to be underestimated. Whether they were facing insurmountable odds on the battlefield or staring down their political opponents in the halls of power, they always seemed to come out on top.
The Top Ten
1 Teddy Roosevelt
A true badass, known for his adventurous spirit and fearless attitude. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who traveled extensively, even after surviving an assassination attempt during a campaign speech. He also led the Rough Riders, a group of soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt's tough, no-nonsense approach to politics earned him the nickname "The Bull Moose," and he is widely considered to be one of the most badass U.S. presidents of all time.
A true badass, known for his adventurous spirit and fearless attitude. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who traveled extensively, even after surviving an assassination attempt during a campaign speech. He also led the Rough Riders, a group of soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt's tough, no-nonsense approach to politics earned him the nickname "The Bull Moose," and he is widely considered to be one of the most badass U.S. presidents of all time. He delivered a 90 minute speech after being shot in the chest. He also hunted bears. How bad-ass is that?
2 Andrew Jackson
Known for his tough and aggressive personality, both on and off the battlefield. He was a skilled military leader who defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, and he also fought against Native American tribes in what is now the southeastern United States. Jackson was known for his willingness to take on anyone who crossed him, and his famous duels with political opponents demonstrate his toughness and determination.
Known for his tough and aggressive personality, both on and off the battlefield. He was a skilled military leader who defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, and he also fought against Native American tribes in what is now the southeastern United States. Jackson was known for his willingness to take on anyone who crossed him, and his famous duels with political opponents demonstrate his toughness and determination. He did duels often and once beat an assassin with a cane.
3 John F. Kennedy
A charismatic and daring president who led the country during the height of the Cold War. He famously stood up to the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his leadership during that tense period is widely considered to be one of the greatest feats of diplomacy in American history. Kennedy was also a decorated World War II veteran who served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism.
A charismatic and daring president who led the country during the height of the Cold War. He famously stood up to the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his leadership during that tense period is widely considered to be one of the greatest feats of diplomacy in American history. Kennedy was also a decorated World War II veteran who served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism. He served in the navy and once he pulled a soldier to shore with his teeth.
4 George Washington
A true badass who led the Continental Army to victory over the British during the Revolutionary War. He was a skilled military strategist who was known for his bravery and determination, and his leadership during the war was instrumental in securing American independence. Washington was also a fierce defender of liberty and democracy, and his commitment to those values helped to shape the country that we know today.
A true badass who led the Continental Army to victory over the British during the Revolutionary War. He was a skilled military strategist who was known for his bravery and determination, and his leadership during the war was instrumental in securing American independence. Washington was also a fierce defender of liberty and democracy, and his commitment to those values helped to shape the country that we know today.
5 Abraham Lincoln
A true badass who led the country through one of its most challenging times, the Civil War. He was a skilled politician and gifted orator who was known for his honesty, integrity, and determination. Lincoln was also a talented wrestler who reportedly only lost one match in his entire career, and his physical strength and endurance helped to give him the stamina to lead the country through some of its darkest hours.
A true badass who led the country through one of its most challenging times, the Civil War. He was a skilled politician and gifted orator who was known for his honesty, integrity, and determination. Lincoln was also a talented wrestler who reportedly only lost one match in his entire career, and his physical strength and endurance helped to give him the stamina to lead the country through some of its darkest hours.
6 Dwight D. Eisenhower
A five-star general in the U.S. Army who became president of the United States. He was a skilled military strategist who played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II, and he later served as NATO's first supreme commander. Eisenhower was also a skilled politician who was known for his calm and thoughtful leadership style, and his famous warning about the military-industrial complex helped to shape American policy for decades to come.
A five-star general in the U.S. Army who became president of the United States. He was a skilled military strategist who played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II, and he later served as NATO's first supreme commander. Eisenhower was also a skilled politician who was known for his calm and thoughtful leadership style, and his famous warning about the military-industrial complex helped to shape American policy for decades to come.
7 Franklin D. Roosevelt
A badass in every sense of the word. He led the country through some of its darkest hours, including the Great Depression and World War II, and his unwavering leadership and determination helped to bring the country back from the brink. Roosevelt was also a skilled politician and strategist who was known for his ability to inspire and motivate people. His famous fireside chats helped to reassure and comfort the American people during some of the most difficult times in our history.
A badass in every sense of the word. He led the country through some of its darkest hours, including the Great Depression and World War II, and his unwavering leadership and determination helped to bring the country back from the brink. Roosevelt was also a skilled politician and strategist who was known for his ability to inspire and motivate people. His famous fireside chats helped to reassure and comfort the American people during some of the most difficult times in our history.
8 Barack Obama
The first African American president of the United States and a true badass in his own right. He overcame significant obstacles to become a successful politician and leader, including racism and prejudice. Obama was also a skilled orator who inspired millions of people with his speeches and his commitment to social justice and equality. He faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including the Great Recession and the fight against ISIS, but he remained calm and focused throughout.
The first African American president of the United States and a true badass in his own right. He overcame significant obstacles to become a successful politician and leader, including racism and prejudice. Obama was also a skilled orator who inspired millions of people with his speeches and his commitment to social justice and equality. He faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including the Great Recession and the fight against ISIS, but he remained calm and focused throughout.
9 Ronald Reagan
A Hollywood actor turned politician who became one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history. He was a charismatic and confident leader who was known for his toughness and his unwavering commitment to American values. Reagan's leadership during the Cold War helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union, and his strong defense policies helped to make America a superpower.
A Hollywood actor turned politician who became one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history. He was a charismatic and confident leader who was known for his toughness and his unwavering commitment to American values. Reagan's leadership during the Cold War helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union, and his strong defense policies helped to make America a superpower.
10 Ulysses S. Grant
A badass military leader who played a key role in the Union victory in the Civil War. He was a brilliant strategist who was known for his relentless pursuit of victory, and his leadership during the war helped to shape the course of American history. Grant later served as president of the United States and played a key role in the country's reconstruction following the Civil War.
A badass military leader who played a key role in the Union victory in the Civil War. He was a brilliant strategist who was known for his relentless pursuit of victory, and his leadership during the war helped to shape the course of American history. Grant later served as president of the United States and played a key role in the country's reconstruction following the Civil War.The Contenders
11 Lyndon B. Johnson
A tough and determined leader who oversaw major reforms during his presidency, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was a skilled politician who was known for his ability to get things done, and his larger-than-life personality helped to shape American politics in the 1960s. Johnson was also a gifted orator who could inspire and motivate people with his speeches, and his commitment to social justice and equality helped to make the country a better place.
A tough and determined leader who oversaw major reforms during his presidency, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was a skilled politician who was known for his ability to get things done, and his larger-than-life personality helped to shape American politics in the 1960s. Johnson was also a gifted orator who could inspire and motivate people with his speeches, and his commitment to social justice and equality helped to make the country a better place.
12 John Quincy Adams
A brilliant statesman and a true badass in his own right. He was a gifted diplomat who served as ambassador to several European countries before becoming secretary of state under James Monroe. Adams later served as president of the United States and played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during his time in office. He was also a fierce defender of liberty and democracy, and his commitment to those values helped to shape the course of American history.
A brilliant statesman and a true badass in his own right. He was a gifted diplomat who served as ambassador to several European countries before becoming secretary of state under James Monroe. Adams later served as president of the United States and played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during his time in office. He was also a fierce defender of liberty and democracy, and his commitment to those values helped to shape the course of American history.
13 James Madison
A true badass who played a key role in shaping the course of American history. He was a skilled politician who helped to draft the U.S. Constitution and played a key role in the drafting of the Bill of Rights. Madison was also a gifted statesman who served as president during the War of 1812, and his leadership during that conflict helped to secure American independence and sovereignty.
A true badass who played a key role in shaping the course of American history. He was a skilled politician who helped to draft the U.S. Constitution and played a key role in the drafting of the Bill of Rights. Madison was also a gifted statesman who served as president during the War of 1812, and his leadership during that conflict helped to secure American independence and sovereignty.
14 George W. Bush
A tough and resilient leader who led the country through some of its darkest hours, including the 9/11 attacks and the war on terror. He was a skilled politician who was known for his determination and his ability to make tough decisions, even in the face of criticism and opposition. Bush was also a strong defender of American values and democracy, and his leadership helped to shape American foreign policy for years to come.
A tough and resilient leader who led the country through some of its darkest hours, including the 9/11 attacks and the war on terror. He was a skilled politician who was known for his determination and his ability to make tough decisions, even in the face of criticism and opposition. Bush was also a strong defender of American values and democracy, and his leadership helped to shape American foreign policy for years to come.
15 George H. W. Bush
A tough and experienced leader who played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during his time in office. He was a skilled diplomat who served as ambassador to several countries before becoming vice president under Ronald Reagan. Bush later served as president of the United States and oversaw major changes in American foreign policy, including the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
A tough and experienced leader who played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during his time in office. He was a skilled diplomat who served as ambassador to several countries before becoming vice president under Ronald Reagan. Bush later served as president of the United States and oversaw major changes in American foreign policy, including the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
16 William Henry Harrison
A badass military leader who played a key role in the War of 1812. He was a skilled strategist who was known for his bravery and determination, and his leadership during the Battle of the Thames helped to secure an important victory for the United States. Harrison later served as president of the United States, but his tenure in office was cut short by his untimely death just one month after his inauguration.
A badass military leader who played a key role in the War of 1812. He was a skilled strategist who was known for his bravery and determination, and his leadership during the Battle of the Thames helped to secure an important victory for the United States. Harrison later served as president of the United States, but his tenure in office was cut short by his untimely death just one month after his inauguration.
17 Millard Fillmore
A dedicated public servant who played a key role in shaping American history. He was a skilled politician who served as vice president under Zachary Taylor and later became president following Taylor's death in office. Fillmore was known for his commitment to American values and his dedication to public service, and his leadership helped to shape the course of American history. He also played a key role in the Compromise of 1850, which helped to ease tensions between North and South over the issue of slavery. Despite not being remembered as one of the most influential presidents, Fillmore's legacy as a dedicated public servant and skilled politician cannot be denied.
A dedicated public servant who played a key role in shaping American history. He was a skilled politician who served as vice president under Zachary Taylor and later became president following Taylor's death in office. Fillmore was known for his commitment to American values and his dedication to public service, and his leadership helped to shape the course of American history. He also played a key role in the Compromise of 1850, which helped to ease tensions between North and South over the issue of slavery. Despite not being remembered as one of the most influential presidents, Fillmore's legacy as a dedicated public servant and skilled politician cannot be denied.
18 James Monroe
James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States, was an epitome of dedication and resilience in serving his country. He fought in the Revolutionary War as a young man, even crossing paths with George Washington in the Battle of Trenton after the iconic crossing of the Delaware River. Monroe's political career was multifaceted: he served as a senator, governor of Virginia, and U.S. Secretary of State and War concurrently. As president, he introduced the Monroe Doctrine, a crucial foreign policy principle warning European nations against further colonization and interference in the Americas, establishing the U.S. as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere. His unwavering commitment to the country and ability to navigate complex international waters cemented his place in history.
James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States, was an epitome of dedication and resilience in serving his country. He fought in the Revolutionary War as a young man, even crossing paths with George Washington in the Battle of Trenton after the iconic crossing of the Delaware River. Monroe's political career was multifaceted: he served as a senator, governor of Virginia, and U.S. Secretary of State and War concurrently. As president, he introduced the Monroe Doctrine, a crucial foreign policy principle warning European nations against further colonization and interference in the Americas, establishing the U.S. as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere. His unwavering commitment to the country and ability to navigate complex international waters cemented his place in history.
19 Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor earned the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" due to his gritty leadership in the U.S. military. Before becoming the 12th president, Taylor was a career officer in the Army, rising to the rank of major general. He made a name for himself during significant battles in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War. However, it was during the Mexican-American War, particularly the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista, that he showcased his military prowess and strategic expertise. His fierce determination and ability to lead troops through tough terrains and against overwhelming odds established his reputation as one of America's toughest military commanders.
Zachary Taylor earned the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" due to his gritty leadership in the U.S. military. Before becoming the 12th president, Taylor was a career officer in the Army, rising to the rank of major general. He made a name for himself during significant battles in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War. However, it was during the Mexican-American War, particularly the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista, that he showcased his military prowess and strategic expertise. His fierce determination and ability to lead troops through tough terrains and against overwhelming odds established his reputation as one of America's toughest military commanders.
20 Donald Trump
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American businessman, television personality, politician, and the 45th President of the United States. Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Donald J. Trump received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968... read more
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American businessman, television personality, politician, and the 45th President of the United States. Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Donald J. Trump received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968... read moreBAdd New Item