US4 min(s) read
Published 17:10 24 Mar 2026 GMT
One US President is consistently described as the worst in history - even Donald Trump doesn't come close
James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the worst leaders in U.S. history.
A Democrat from Pennsylvania, Buchanan won the 1856 election by defeating Republican candidate John C. Frémont and former President Millard Fillmore.
Serving from 1857 to 1861, his presidency is primarily remembered for his indecision on the issue of slavery and his inability to prevent Southern states from seceding.
This left the country on the brink of collapse.
Buchanan was also denounced for secretly pressuring Supreme Court Justice Robert Grier to support the majority in the Dred Scott case, hoping it would settle the slavery issue. Instead, it angered the North and worsened the divide.
He believed the federal government couldn't interfere with slavery, which left him unable to act when needed.
Some historians argue he was in a tough spot and that war was unavoidable.
However, his leadership is still seen as ineffective, and he ranks near the bottom in presidential history.
Comparison to Donald Trump
In contrast, Donald Trump, who served as both the 45th and now the 47th president, remains a deeply polarizing figure in American politics.
His first term was marked by his response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, divisions over the 2020 election, and racial justice protests.
His handling of the January 6th Capitol attack, where many believe his words helped fuel the violence, has had a lasting impact on his legacy.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump’s second presidency has continued to draw controversy.
His administration has expanded immigration enforcement, with nationwide ICE raids that have prompted legal and humanitarian concerns.
On foreign policy, Trump has pursued an aggressive approach.
He has authorized US military action, including strikes and operations aimed at limiting Iran’s regional influence and nuclear capabilities.
This has triggered wider conflict in the Middle East, with ongoing missile exchanges and military engagements involving Israel and Tehran.
Buchanan vs Trump: Leadership Failures
Many historians have said both Buchanan and Trump failed to unite the nation during times of national crisis.
Buchanan’s pro-slavery policies and inability to prevent secession directly contributed to one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Similarly, Trump’s mishandling of political divisions during his first term, along with the current Iran war, has been slammed by both democrats and Republicans.
However, despite differing views on Buchanan, one user on Reddit argued that Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection alone made him the worst president, stating: "Nothing any President has ever done was as bad as January 6th alone.
"Just that would already make him the worst President of all time.”
Another user compared his incompetence to Buchanan’s, saying: "He's definitely worse than Buchanan.
"My understanding is his failing was more incompetence than malice."
Some even feared that Trump’s second term could cement his place as the worst president in history.
"It’s hard to imagine Trump's second term NOT being the worst of all time."
"I'd like to hear of a presidency that comes close to this one in terms of corruption, ruining public discourse, incompetence, and inability to pass any legislation that benefits average people," they added.
However, others disagreed, saying that Buchanan’s failure to act during the Civil War was a far greater historical tragedy.
"People citing January 6th as evidence of Trump being the worst are utterly unserious," one user argued.
Who do you think was worse: Buchanan or Trump?