A look at 10 U.S. presidents who have been heavily criticized or considered least effective by historians.

Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy and quickly demonstrated exceptional legislative skill. His domestic agenda, known as the “Great Society,” led to major achievements including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid. These policies significantly expanded civil rights and social welfare in the United States.

However, Johnson’s legacy is deeply overshadowed by the Vietnam War. Under his leadership, U.S. military involvement in Vietnam escalated dramatically. What began as advisory support turned into a full-scale conflict involving hundreds of thousands of American troops. The war became increasingly unpopular as casualties mounted and public confidence declined.

Johnson’s administration struggled with transparency regarding the war’s progress, contributing to widespread protests and political unrest. Although his domestic accomplishments remain historically significant, many historians argue that Vietnam severely damaged trust in government and ultimately defined his presidency. As a result, Johnson is often ranked in the middle or lower tiers of presidential evaluations.

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)

Jimmy Carter entered office with a reputation for honesty and integrity, promising a government rooted in transparency and ethical leadership. His presidency emphasized human rights in foreign policy and environmental protection at home.

Carter also played a key role in negotiating the Camp David Accords, which led to a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.

Despite these achievements, Carter struggled with severe economic challenges. The United States experienced high inflation, rising unemployment, and an ongoing energy crisis during his term. Continue reading…