Most corrupt U.S. presidents in history: from Jackson to Trump

UPDATED: Nov 6, 2024 00:11 IST

Amongst the manifold challenges to effective governance in a state, corruption is probably the most important. Not only because it is pervasive at all levels in public life and the government, but also because of its covert, diffused, and transmuting nature; all of this, under the facade of transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Measuring Corruption

Transparency defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. While measuring corruption is a complex process, popular methods used involve understanding perceptions, experiences of corruption, external assessments, and administrative evidence of corruption through records, cases, and laws. Measuring anti-corruption – which is more straightforward – also complements the process.

The scope of corruption is clearly linked to the level of authority. Higher the authority, more is the corruption, and more severe are its implications. A 2017 survey by Transparency indicated that the US President and his officials were considered to be the most corrupt by Americans. Lets take a look at corruption in the Oval Office.

From rampant land speculation, slaveholding, and patronage, to complicity, shadow government operations, and ‘pay to play’ politics, U.S. presidents have done it all. We give you, the top 5 most corrupt U.S. presidents in history – with cases of individual malpractices, as well as that of political corruption

The Top Five

Andrew Jackson (1829 - 1837)

At number five, we have Andrew Jackson – the pioneer of the inherently corrupt ‘spoils system’ under which government officials were hired not on merit but on what they had done for the incoming administration. Since Jackson rewarded jobs to friends, donors, business associates, and friendly newspaper editors, he failed to keep federal offices non-partisan, and led to a cavalcade of theft and corruption.

George W. Bush (2001 – 2009)

At number four, is George W. Bush who was ranked 39th out of 43 presidents by the Siena College US Presidents study in 2010. His election victory itself was shrouded with suspicion, especially his brother Florida Governor Jeb Bush involvement in tampering with voter rolls. George Bush has also been blamed for ignoring U.S. intelligence warnings before 9-11, and criticized for the White House opposition to the creation of the 9-11 commission. Not only this, with 14 of the 18 hijackers from Saudi Arabia, the administration redacted multiple pages of the commission’s report on Saudi involvement in the attack.
The Bush administration is infamous for its moral failings, its embrace of torture which violated UN conventions, and the President’s justifications for the long drawn war with Iraq. While the president’s justifications for the Iraq war were all discredited over time, the real reasons were soon revealed with Vice President Dick Cheney’s association with Halliburton – one of the biggest beneficiaries from contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan through uncompetitive bids. Bush’s uncle – William H.T. Bush – also made millions from a war firm sale in 2006.

Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)

Next, we have Ronald Reagan whose administration was marked by an endless barrage of scandals including Operation III Wind defense procurement scandal, EPA’s Sewergate scandal, the Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD scandal, and the infamous software piracy and cover-up related Inslaw Affair involving the U.S. Department of Justice. The biggest of his scandals however, was the Iran-Contra scheme which violated not only the arms embargo against Iran but also the amendment prohibiting funding contra rebels in Nicaragua.
The complex scheme between 1985 and 1986 involved a conspiracy to sell missiles to Iran in exchange for the return of U.S. hostages. The Iranian money would then fund Contra rebels trying to overthrow the left-wing government of Nicaragua. After the deal came to light, Reagan went on national TV and claimed arms weren't being traded for hostages. A few months later, he had to go on TV again to admit that the trades did happen.

Richard Nixon (1969 – 1974)

At second place, is Richard Nixon. The 37th President is considered the gold standard of presidential corruption. He is also the only U.S. President to have resigned from his position after the Watergate scandal which had involved bugging of political opponents’ offices, unauthorised investigations, and misuse of government agencies for political purposes. Not only this, Nixon’s vice President had to resign due to implication in a tax evasion scheme. His CIA director was also convicted of illegal surveillance.

Not unlike what Trump intends to do if he wins now, Nixon is also known to keep an ‘enemies list’ to neutralise those opposed to his administration through the federal machinery and its associated power and authority.

Donald Trump (2017 – 2021)

Finally, the top spot is for Donald Trump – the 45th U.S. President, who is now seeking re-election.
Independent historian and author James Banner Jr. has argued that since the early 1970s, the behaviour of American presidents has worsened in alarming ways, which show utter disregard for the rule of law and flagrant illegal acts. And Donald Trump took this legacy to new heights.

His presidency was marked by allegations of emoluments clause violations and blurring of lines between his business interests and presidential duties. He has also been accused of using the Oval Office to benefit his own enterprises – a clear example of political corruption. The 2022 Siena College U.S. Presidents study 2022 rated Donald Trump as the ‘worst’ with regard to integrity, apart from intelligence and background. In July 2020, Trump used his office to commute the prison sentence of Roger Stone, a long time Republican political adviser and Trump aide. The clearest instance of disregard for the law was his refusal to accept his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.