When it comes to evaluating U.S. presidents, labels like “best” and “worst” are inherently subjective. Every four years, a group of historians convenes to assess and rank the presidents based on their achievements and legacies, without the simplistic dichotomy of good versus bad. This nuanced approach acknowledges the complexities of presidential performance and historical context.
Although notions of success and failure can be slippery, one clear metric emerges: popularity. The presidency thrives on the consent of the governed; thus, a popular president wields greater political capital, while an unpopular one finds their agenda stymied by what political commentators often refer to as “the winds of politics.”
At PoliticusUSA, we pride ourselves on our independence from special interests or political affiliations. Join our community by subscribing.
The structure of American democracy is designed such that popular presidents can effectively push their initiatives forward. In contrast, those lacking public support often encounter significant barriers in realizing their goals. This dynamic is particularly evident in the case of Donald Trump, who has attempted to elevate the presidency above the electorate, flipping the traditional power relationship on its head. Rather than responding to the will of the people, Trump sought to reshape the populace into loyal supporters of the presidency itself.
In his pursuit of what historian Arthur Schlesinger termed an “imperial presidency,” Trump has ignited a robust backlash from a majority of Americans, resulting in plummeting approval ratings that mark some of the lowest points in presidential history.
Successful presidencies often lay the groundwork for their effectiveness even before taking office. In stark contrast, Trump’s approach has been akin to constructing a house of cards, ultimately destined to collapse under its own weight.
Below, we will delve into specific instances that highlight the failures of Trump’s presidency, illustrating how his unique approach has led to significant shortcomings in governance.
