The 10 Worst U.S. Presidents

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10. Zachary Taylor Born: Nov. 24, 1784 Died: July 9, 1850 Presidential Term: March 4, 1849 - July 9, 1850

Taylor's short-lived presidency concluded in 1850 when he fell ill following the Fourth of July celebration, making him one of eight presidents to pass away while in office. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

9. Herbert Hoover Born: Aug. 10, 1874 Died: Oct. 20, 1964 Presidential Term: March 4, 1929 - March 4, 1933

Hoover gained a reputation as an ineffective communicator who escalated trade conflicts and worsened the impact of the Great Depression. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

8. Millard Fillmore Born: Jan. 7, 1800 Died: March 8, 1874 Presidential Term: July 9, 1850 - March 4, 1853

He supported the Compromise of 1850, which postponed Southern secession by permitting the expansion of slavery. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

7. John Tyler Born: March 29, 1790 Died: Jan. 18, 1862 Presidential Term: April 4, 1841 - March 4, 1845

He staunchly defended slavery and, upon assuming the presidency, deviated from his party's platform. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

6. Warren G. Harding Born: Nov. 2, 1865 Died: Aug. 2, 1923 Presidential Term: March 4, 1921 - Aug. 2, 1923

Harding, known for his passion for golf and poker, is primarily associated with his administration's numerous corruption scandals. He is among the eight presidents who passed away while in office, succumbing to illness. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

5. William Henry Harrison Born: Feb. 9, 1773 Died: April 4, 1841 Presidential Term: March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841

He delivered the lengthiest inaugural address in U.S. history, but unfortunately contracted pneumonia, leading to the shortest presidency on record at just 30 days. He holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first president to pass away while in office. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

4. Franklin Pierce Born: Nov. 23, 1804 Died: Oct. 8, 1869 Presidential Term: March 4, 1853 - March 4, 1857

Pierce's enthusiasm for expanding the nation's borders, which involved the addition of several slave states, played a role in setting the stage for the Civil War. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

2 (tie). Andrew Johnson Born: Dec. 29, 1808 Died: July 31, 1875 Presidential Term: April 15, 1865 - March 4, 1869

Johnson managed to survive impeachment by opposing Reconstruction initiatives, including the 14th amendment. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

2 (tie). Donald Trump Born: June 14, 1946 Alive 77 Years Presidential Term: Jan. 20, 2017 - Jan 20, 2021

As the lone living president among the 10 historically criticized leaders, Trump holds the distinction of being the only individual impeached twice. Despite ongoing legal challenges, such as criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump is actively participating in the 2024 presidential election. If successful, he could potentially become the second president in history to serve non-consecutive terms in the White House. Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery

1. James Buchanan Born: April 23, 1791 Died: June 1, 1868 Presidential Term: March 4, 1857 - March 4, 1861

Image Credits: National Portrait Gallery He declined to confront either the expansion of slavery or the emerging group of states that eventually formed the Confederacy.