Throughout American history, certain presidents have left legacies that continue to divide public opinion long after they’ve left office. Some were revered for their bold decisions but criticized for their consequences. Others were deeply controversial in their time, yet history softened their image. Whether through war, economic upheaval, scandal, or social change, these leaders reshaped the country in ways that sparked fierce debate.
From the figures who changed the course of history to those who pushed America to the brink, these 13 U.S. presidents remain among the most polarizing—alongside one non-president who might as well be running the country.
1. Donald Trump, The Most Polarizing President In History
Few figures in modern American history have been as divisive as Donald Trump. Elected in 2016 on a wave of populism, nationalism, and anti-establishment rhetoric, his presidency was marked by policy upheavals, two impeachments, and a level of political polarization not seen in decades. His supporters saw him as a necessary disruptor who challenged the political elite, while his critics viewed him as a threat to democracy. According to a Pew Research Center study, Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by unprecedented levels of partisan polarization, with his approval ratings showing the widest gap between Republicans and Democrats of any president in the modern era.
His handling of issues such as immigration, race relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic further deepened the divide. The January 6 Capitol riot and his continued influence over the Republican Party have ensured that his legacy remains one of the most contentious in U.S. history. While some hail him as a champion of conservative values, others believe his presidency eroded democratic norms in ways that will take generations to repair.
2. Elon Musk, The Fake President No One Voted For
Elon Musk has never held public office, yet his influence over American politics, policy, and culture rivals that of actual presidents. As the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and the owner of X (formerly Twitter), Musk has used his platform to shape public discourse, push policy narratives, and even affect elections—all without ever being elected. According to The New York Times, Elon Musk’s influence in Trump’s second term has been significant, with his role in the Department of Government Efficiency allowing him to make sweeping changes to federal agencies without holding an official government position.
His vocal opposition to government regulations, unionization, and media institutions has earned him a devoted following among libertarians and conservatives, while critics accuse him of recklessly spreading misinformation and undermining democratic institutions. His ability to shift public sentiment with a single tweet—and his growing entanglement with political leaders—has sparked debates about the unchecked power of billionaires in shaping the national agenda. Love him or hate him, Musk’s shadow looms large over modern American politics.
3. Richard Nixon, The President Who Resigned In Disgrace
Richard Nixon’s presidency was a paradox. He ended the Vietnam War, opened diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw major environmental protections. Yet, his legacy is forever stained by Watergate, the political scandal that led to his resignation in 1974. While he won a historic reelection in 1972, his abuse of power and attempts to cover up illegal activity shattered public trust in the presidency. According to the National Constitution Center, Richard Nixon’s resignation due to the Watergate scandal led to significant changes in American politics, including reforms in campaign finance laws and increased congressional oversight of the executive branch.
For some, Nixon’s foreign policy expertise and pragmatic governance overshadow his downfall. For others, Watergate remains the ultimate cautionary tale of unchecked presidential power. His resignation made him the only U.S. president to ever leave office in disgrace, cementing his place in history as both a strategic leader and a symbol of political corruption.
4. Andrew Jackson, The People’s Champion Or A Tyrant?
Andrew Jackson is often hailed as the first “people’s president,” but his legacy is one of the most divisive in American history. He reshaped the presidency, dismantled the national bank, and strengthened executive power, earning him a devoted following among working-class Americans. According to PBS, Andrew Jackson’s presidency was defined by his controversial Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forcibly relocated tens of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States.
His populist approach to governance and deep distrust of elites made him a hero to many, but his authoritarian tendencies and brutal policies ensure that his legacy remains deeply controversial.
5. Abraham Lincoln, The Great Emancipator—Or A Wartime Tyrant?
Widely considered one of America’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln led the nation through its darkest hour—the Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in Confederate states, and his leadership preserved the Union. However, not everyone viewed him as a hero during his time in office.
Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, shut down opposition newspapers, and expanded federal power in ways that alarmed his critics. While history remembers him as a unifying figure, his presidency was deeply polarizing in its time, with half the country going to war to oppose him. His assassination in 1865 sealed his martyr-like status, but his legacy remains complex.
6. Barack Obama, A Historic Presidency With Lasting Divides
As America’s first Black president, Barack Obama’s election in 2008 was a historic moment. His presidency saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and the legalization of same-sex marriage. However, his time in office was also defined by bitter partisanship.
Critics argue that his policies on immigration, healthcare, and foreign intervention were overreaching and divisive. The rise of the Tea Party and increasing polarization during his tenure fueled deep resentment among conservatives. While many see him as a transformational figure, others believe his presidency deepened ideological divides in America.
7. Franklin D. Roosevelt, The President Who Expanded Government
Franklin D. Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms, leading America through the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal programs transformed the federal government’s role in everyday life, creating Social Security and other safety nets that still exist today.
While many credit him with saving the economy, conservatives viewed his policies as excessive government overreach. His decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II remains a dark stain on his presidency. Roosevelt’s legacy is monumental, but his expansion of executive power remains a point of debate.
8. Lyndon B. Johnson, The Architect Of Civil Rights And Vietnam
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reshaping race relations in America. His Great Society programs expanded Medicare, education, and anti-poverty initiatives. However, his escalation of the Vietnam War made him one of the most controversial figures of his era.
While his domestic policies changed the nation for the better, his handling of the war led to mass protests and deepened distrust in government. Johnson’s presidency left behind two legacies—one of progress and one of destruction.
9. George W. Bush, The President Defined By 9/11
George W. Bush’s presidency was transformed by the September 11 attacks, leading him to launch the War on Terror. His decision to invade Iraq remains one of the most controversial foreign policy moves in modern history.
Supporters credit him with strong leadership in the wake of 9/11, but critics argue that his administration misled the public about weapons of mass destruction. His handling of Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis further cemented his mixed legacy.
10. Bill Clinton, The Scandal-Plagued President
Bill Clinton presided over a booming economy and balanced budgets, yet his presidency is overshadowed by scandal. His impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair made him only the second U.S. president to face such proceedings.
Despite personal controversies, Clinton remained popular, leaving office with high approval ratings. His political legacy is a mix of economic success and ethical failures.
11. Ronald Reagan, A Conservative Icon And Liberal Villain
Ronald Reagan’s presidency is revered by conservatives for its economic policies and anti-Communist stance. However, his handling of the AIDS crisis and Iran-Contra scandal drew sharp criticism.
Reaganomics is still debated today—some see it as an economic miracle, while others argue it widened inequality. His presidency left a lasting mark on American conservatism.
12. John F. Kennedy, The President Who Became A Legend
John F. Kennedy’s presidency lasted less than three years, yet his legacy is one of the most enduring in American history. His handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, push for the space race, and vision for civil rights made him an icon of leadership and progress. His youth, charisma, and call for Americans to “ask what you can do for your country” inspired a generation.
However, Kennedy’s presidency was far from perfect. His approach to Vietnam laid the groundwork for future escalation, and his personal life was riddled with controversies that only surfaced after his assassination in 1963. While many view him as a symbol of American idealism, others argue that his accomplishments were exaggerated due to his untimely death. Had he lived to serve a full term, his legacy might look very different. Still, his presidency remains one of the most debated in modern history.
13. Woodrow Wilson, The President Who Dreamed Of World Peace But Repressed His Own People
Woodrow Wilson is often remembered as the architect of the League of Nations and the leader who guided the U.S. through World War I. His vision of global diplomacy laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the United Nations, and his efforts to expand American influence on the world stage shaped modern foreign policy.
However, Wilson’s domestic policies were far more controversial. Under his administration, racial segregation in the federal government expanded, and his approval of policies that suppressed civil liberties—such as the Espionage Act—were widely condemned. His resistance to granting women’s suffrage also put him at odds with progressives of his time. While many credit him with international leadership, his actions at home tell a different story. His presidency remains a reminder that idealism abroad does not always translate into justice at home.
