Evaluating America’s Worst Presidents: Trump, Bush Jr., and Harding

Historically, the United States has seen leaders who shaped the nation differently. From the economic implications of their tenure to their handling of national crises, each president leaves behind a legacy. Among the most controversial are President George W. Bush Jr., Warren G. Harding, and Donald Trump. This article will delve into the performances of these leaders, comparing them with a particular focus on their impact on public health, economic performance, and the stability of democratic institutions.

Comparative Analysis of Presidential Competence

Between Bush Jr. and Harding, both leaders were unremarkable. In contrast, Trump often receives mixed reactions, but his performance can be categorized as merely mediocre. However, when it comes to the specific impacts of their presidencies, Bush Jr. stands out as the more detrimental figure. His administration plunged the global economy into crisis, while Harding’s tenure was marked by political and administrative mishandling.

In the case of Donald Trump, his record is undeniably tragic. Under his leadership, a staggering number of unnecessary deaths occurred, surpassing any previous president since World War II. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 until January 20, 2021, approximately 401,000 Americans died from the virus during his term. Furthermore, a February 2021 report by the Lancet suggests that Trump’s inadequate pandemic response could have caused the unnecessary death of up to 160,400 Americans due to his arrogant and inadequate response.

Impact on Public Health and Policy

According to the Lancet report, Trump’s policies had significant negative consequences for public health. The report outlines how his administration undermined critical aspects of public health, including environmental health, reproductive health, and access to healthcare, with a disproportionate impact on marginalized and vulnerable populations. Specific actions taken by Trump include rolling back environmental protections, limiting access to contraception, and attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which disproportionally affected people of color, low-income individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Totally Inadequate Policies and Their Consequences

The authors of the report, which comprise a panel of U.S., Canadian, and British physicians, hospital administrators, and other healthcare professionals, emphasized the urgent need for action to address the damage inflicted by the Trump administration's policies.

A Threat to Democracy: The Case of Bush Jr.

Bush Jr. also poses a significant threat to democracy, making his performance relatively worse compared to Harding. His administration's handling of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent Iraq War under the justifications of WMD and assistance to al-Qaeda, although controversial, were not nearly as disastrous as his economic and health policies. Meanwhile, Harding’s administration faced challenges due to political and labor strikes, as well as widespread corruption, but one notable point is that his Vice President did not financially benefit from a war that resulted in the loss of American and foreign citizens’ lives.

First Terms and Comparisons

While Bush Jr. spent two terms as president, Harding only completed one. Therefore, we will primarily compare their first terms. Trump’s single term, however, was marked by complete failure and disaster. Both Bush Jr.’s first term and Trump’s single term highlight the significance of a leader’s immediate impact on the nation. Trump’s policies and actions during his term led to an unprecedented number of deaths and a deterioration of public health policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when examining the performances of these three presidents, George W. Bush Jr. stands out as the most detrimental figure in modern American history. His economic and health policies, as well as his handling of crises, have left a significant negative impact on the nation. Donald Trump, while catastrophic, does not hold the title of the worst president due to factors specific to Bush Jr.'s tenure. Nevertheless, both Trump and Bush Jr. have left lasting impacts that continue to affect the United States and its democratic institutions.

Keywords

Presidential Competence, Economic Impact, Public Health