Former President Donald Trump has shared a revised version of his U.S. presidential ranking, expanding on his earlier chart. He still places himself alone in a category called ‘The Greatest,’ above notable figures like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Updates in Trump’s Presidential Rankings
The updated ranking, posted on Truth Social, maintains Trump at the top but adds several former presidents missing from the prior iteration. Newly included are Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
The original chart caught attention for its resemblance to a 1948 presidential ranking by historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. in LIFE magazine.
Significant Changes in the Revised Chart
Reagan, once absent despite his conservative standing, joins Eisenhower in the ‘Near Great’ category. Kennedy and Nixon are now classified as ‘Average.’ Ford and George H.W. Bush are labeled ‘Below Average’ along with Lyndon B. Johnson, absent earlier.
Herbert Hoover shifts from ‘Average’ to ‘Failures,’ joined by George W. Bush.
Reagan’s Initial Omission
Reagan’s absence in Trump’s original ranking drew special attention given his role as a conservative icon. Trump and Reagan often appear in discussions about Republican leadership and future direction.
Despite not explaining his changes publicly, Trump now ranks Reagan among ‘Near Great’ presidents while he remains distinguished as ‘The Greatest.’
Missing Presidents
The revised ranking includes 43 presidents, omitting figures like William Henry Harrison, who served 31 days, and James Garfield, assassinated after less than a year.
Total U.S. Presidents
The U.S. has had 45 individual presidents. Grover Cleveland and Trump both served nonconsecutive terms, counting for 47 presidencies.
Trump’s chart includes many of these presidents across categories from ‘Great’ to ‘Failures,’ with Trump atop the chart.
Historians’ Surveys Diverge
Trump’s self-ranking contrasts sharply with historians’ views. According to the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project survey, historians rate Lincoln as the greatest, followed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Washington.
Trump, who rates himself highest, placed last in the survey. His chart also continues to raise debated figures like Woodrow Wilson in ‘Great,’ despite criticism over his record.
At the ‘Failures’ level, presidents like Biden, Obama, Ulysses S. Grant, Harding, Carter, and Hoover appear in the revised edition.
The updated chart reflects Trump’s perspective on presidential history and his unique status within the Republican Party, where many GOP voters prioritize him over traditional icons like Reagan.
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