Camilla Jessen
Corruption and abuse of power have always lurked behind the curtains of power.
Donald Trump’s presidency has been one of the most turbulent in U.S. history.
From legal scandals to a divided political climate, many experts believe he may be the most damaging president the country has ever had.
But he’s not the first American leader accused of abusing power or acting for personal gain.
1. Donald Trump
Not a day goes by without Donald Trump making headlines for his questionable behavior.
He’s currently facing numerous legal battles, including financial crimes, inciting insurrection, hoarding classified documents, spreading disinformation, attacking the media, and trying to overturn a democratic election.
Trump’s presidency brought chaos unmatched in modern U.S. history.
He’s been indicted multiple times and recently convicted of financial fraud. Over 20 women have accused him of harassment or assault. He’s praised dictators, encouraged violence, and downplayed white supremacists. Yet despite all that, he still commands a massive following—and could win again.
While Trump may top the list of damaging U.S. leaders, he’s far from the only president who misused power or left the country worse off.
2. Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon, president from 1969 to 1974, is remembered above all for the Watergate scandal.
In 1972, burglars were caught breaking into the Democratic Party’s headquarters at the Watergate complex to aid Nixon’s re-election campaign. His administration covered up the break-in and attempted to silence the press—until journalists from The Washington Post exposed the truth.
Nixon also targeted Vietnam War protesters, the media, and political opponents with aggressive tactics. Facing certain impeachment, he resigned in 1974—becoming the only U.S. president ever to do so.
Although many believed he should have faced trial, he was later pardoned by his vice president–turned–successor, Gerald Ford.
3. Warren G. Harding
Harding, president from 1921 until his death in 1923, ran a corrupt administration.
The Teapot Dome scandal, involving bribery for oil drilling rights, became one of America’s biggest political scandals. His Cabinet was stacked with friends from Ohio who acted more like a criminal gang than public servants.
From illegal veterans hospital contracts to corruption in the Justice Department, Harding’s presidency was riddled with misconduct.
The Ohio Gang left behind a legacy of scandal that still echoes in comparisons to Trump’s own inner circle.
4. Andrew Johnson
After Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, Andrew Johnson became president.
A proud white supremacist, Johnson opposed civil rights for freed slaves and openly said, “This is a white country… it shall be a white government.”
When he tried to fire a Cabinet member illegally, Congress impeached him—making Johnson the first U.S. president to face removal from office. He escaped conviction by just one vote.
Johnson also issued sweeping pardons to former Confederates, further dividing the country after the Civil War.
5. Andrew Jackson
President from 1829 to 1837, Andrew Jackson expanded presidential power.
His worst offense was ordering the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands. The resulting Trail of Tears led to the deaths of thousands.
Jackson also oversaw the Petticoat Affair, where political wives shunned the wife of his Secretary of War, triggering a full-blown Cabinet crisis.
He’s remembered by historians as a president who ruled with iron will and little regard for the lives he destroyed.
6. Bill Clinton
While Bill Clinton enjoyed popularity during much of his presidency (1993–2001), his legacy is overshadowed by the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Clinton lied under oath about an affair with a White House intern, leading to impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice.
Even before that, Clinton had been accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by multiple women.
Though he survived politically, the scandal marked a low point in public trust.
7. Ronald Reagan
A former actor turned president (1981–1989), Reagan led a conservative revolution. bBut his foreign policy cast a dark shadow.
His administration backed brutal right-wing governments in Latin America, including El Salvador, where government forces killed tens of thousands.
The Iran-Contra affair revealed secret arms deals with Iran, with profits funneled to anti-government forces in Nicaragua (the Contras).
Though Reagan claimed he didn’t know, millions of dollars were unaccounted for, and the scandal rocked his second term.
The article is based on information from Esquire.
