A recent nationwide survey offers a stark portrait of how Americans remember their presidents, revealing a deeply fractured landscape of opinion. The poll, encompassing views on twenty leaders, places Donald Trump and Joe Biden among the most divisive figures in modern history, highlighting a chasm in national sentiment.
The data suggests a powerful “recency bias,” where presidents closest in time to the present are judged more harshly. While historical figures generally benefit from the softening lens of time, Trump and Biden find themselves near the bottom of the rankings, a reflection of today’s intensely polarized political climate where consensus feels increasingly distant.
Despite the widespread criticism, Donald Trump maintains a stronghold on Republican support. The survey reveals that a significant majority – 85% – of Republicans approve of his performance, demonstrating a loyalty that persists even amidst broader public disapproval.
In stark contrast, over half of all respondents (55%) rated Trump’s performance as “poor,” placing him at the very bottom of the list. His overall approval rating stands at a concerning -20%, a dramatic split between Republican enthusiasm (+70) and Democratic disdain (-91). This represents a decline in approval compared to a similar point in his first term.
Following Trump, Joe Biden received the lowest presidential rating, alongside Richard Nixon. The poll consistently showed that recent presidents face more criticism than their predecessors, suggesting a heightened level of scrutiny in contemporary politics.
Biden’s initial approval rating of 57% began to erode following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021. Errors during the withdrawal triggered a significant shift in public opinion, preventing his approval rating from climbing back above 50%.
Abraham Lincoln stands apart, consistently ranked as “outstanding” by a substantial 74% of those surveyed. His pivotal role in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and ultimately abolishing slavery through the Thirteenth Amendment cemented his place in history and continues to resonate with Americans today.
Beyond Lincoln, George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Theodore Roosevelt also garnered high marks. More recently, Barack Obama received an “outstanding” rating from 25% of respondents, largely attributed to landmark achievements like the Affordable Care Act, Wall Street reform, and the operation that led to the death of Osama Bin Laden.
The survey also turned its attention to First Ladies, revealing a different dynamic. Jacqueline Kennedy emerged as the most popular, celebrated for redefining the role and captivating the nation with her style and grace. Her positive image undoubtedly bolstered support for her husband, John F. Kennedy.
Generally, a First Lady’s public perception closely mirrors that of her husband – Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Michelle and Barack Obama, and Melania and Donald Trump all demonstrate this correlation. However, Hillary Clinton stands as an exception, receiving a slightly lower net rating (-17) than her husband, Bill Clinton (-3).
