One Man Can Kill a Nation
I can’t understand how a man who failed in 6 businesses, a man who no major U.S.company would hire as CEO, could become President of the United States.
His ego is so inflated that he thinks that he will be ranked as the best U.S. President in history. I decided to put this prompt to ChatGPT: “What is your opinion of Donald Trump’s ranking among US presidents? Is he the worst president, or in the middle or the best president? What is your evidence for the answer?”
ChatGPT’s answer quickly came back:
“Historians and political scientists have consistently ranked Donald Trump among the lowest U.S. presidents in recent surveys. In the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, conducted by the American Political Science Association, Trump was rated last (45th out of 45 presidents) with an average score of 10.92 out of 100. This survey assessed presidents on various leadership qualities, including administrative skills, moral authority, and economic management.”
I didn’t find this answer thorough enough. I asked ChatGPT to supply the reasons for Trump’s lowest ranking. Here is ChatGPT’s answer:
“Historians and political analysts have frequently ranked Donald Trump among the worst U.S. presidents, citing a combination of ethical, administrative, and democratic failures. Here are the key reasons underpinning this assessment:
1. Low Ratings in Leadership and Moral Authority
In multiple scholarly surveys, Trump has consistently ranked at or near the bottom. The 2021 C-SPAN Presidential Historians Survey placed him 41st out of 44 presidents, with the lowest scores in moral authority and administrative skills. Similarly, a 2024 survey by the American Political Science Association ranked him last, highlighting his poor performance in leadership characteristics.
2. Erosion of Democratic Norms
Trump’s presidency was marked by actions that many view as undermining democratic institutions. He was impeached twice: first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection following the January 6 Capitol attack. His refusal to accept the 2020 election results and attempts to overturn them have been described as a direct assault on democratic processes.
3. Corruption and Self-Enrichment
Trump’s tenure saw numerous allegations of corruption and self-dealing. Reports indicate that his family profited significantly during his presidency, with Trump’s net worth increasing by $1.2 billion between March 2024 and March 2025. Additionally, his administration faced criticism for issuing pardons to political allies and individuals convicted of serious crimes, raising concerns about the misuse of presidential powers.
4. Attacks on the Media and Truth
Trump’s relationship with the media was adversarial. He frequently labeled reputable news outlets as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people,” undermining public trust in journalism. Fact-checkers documented thousands of false or misleading statements during his presidency, contributing to a polarized information environment.
5. Policy Failures and Economic Management
While Trump’s administration enacted significant tax cuts, critics argue these primarily benefited the wealthy and corporations. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was widely criticized, with the U.S. experiencing one of the highest death tolls globally. Economically, the U.S. saw a 3.5% GDP contraction in 2020, the worst since 1946.
6. Polarization and Social Division
Trump’s rhetoric often targeted minorities, immigrants, and political opponents, exacerbating social divisions. His administration’s policies, such as family separations at the border and restrictions on immigration, were met with widespread condemnation. His approach to governance and communication contributed to an increasingly polarized political climate.
7. International Relations and Global Standing
Under Trump, the U.S. experienced a decline in global standing. His “America First” policy led to strained relationships with traditional allies and withdrawal from international agreements. Surveys indicated a significant drop in international approval of U.S. leadership during his tenure.
These factors collectively contribute to the prevailing view among historians and political scientists that Donald Trump’s presidency was detrimental to the nation’s democratic institutions, global standing, and social cohesion.”
