Presidents Acting Badly!
Donald Trump isn't the only one...
Issue #341: American History June 13, 2023
Donald John Trump, who never misses a chance to remind us that he was the 45th president of the United States, is the only president to be impeached twice, and now the only president to be indicted twice: once at the state level and once at the federal level—so far. At least three more indictments may be pending: in New York State by NY Attorney General Leticia James, in Fulton County, Georgia, by District Attorney Fani Wills, and at the federal level, again by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith.
Believe it or not, Trump can actually run for president while under indictment and subject to various state and federal trials. Whether he can be inaugurated as president as a convicted felon is another matter that may have to be decided by the 14th Amendment.
But Donald Trump is not the only president to have faced legal trouble during or after their term in office. Many presidents throughout history have been embroiled in legal scandals that have tarnished their legacy. From impeachment to criminal charges, here are some of the most notable examples.
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, was the first president to be impeached by the House of Representatives. Johnson was impeached in 1868 after he violated the Tenure of Office Act, which required Senate approval for the removal of certain officeholders. Johnson fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without the Senate's approval, which led to his impeachment. Although Johnson was acquitted by the Senate, his presidency was severely weakened by the scandal.
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, was known for his honesty and integrity. However, his presidency was marred by several scandals, including the Credit Mobilier scandal, which involved bribes paid to members of Congress in exchange for favorable legislation. Although Grant was not directly involved in the scandal, his administration was tainted by corruption.
Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States, was one of the most popular sitting U.S. presidents, and he died while in office on August 2, 1923. After his death, a number of scandals were exposed, including the Teapot Dome Scandal, which involved illegal leases of Navy petroleum reserves to private oil companies at low rates without competitive bidding, as well as an extramarital affair with Nan Britton, which diminished his reputation.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, was perhaps the most infamous president in American history—until now. Nixon was forced to resign from office in 1974 after the Watergate scandal, which involved the break-in and bugging of the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Nixon was implicated in the cover-up of the scandal, and he became the only president to resign from office.
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal, which involved the sale of weapons to Iran in exchange for hostages and the use of the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Although Reagan was not directly involved in the scandal, his administration was tarnished by the controversy.
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1998. Clinton was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal. Clinton was acquitted by the Senate, but the scandal damaged his presidency and his legacy.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, was criticized for his handling of the Iraq War and the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, which some considered to be torture. Although Bush was not charged with any crimes, his administration faced intense criticism for its actions.
Conclusion
Donald Trump is not the first president to face legal trouble during or after their term in office. From impeachment to scandal, many presidents throughout history have been embroiled in controversy. Although these scandals have damaged their legacy, they serve as a reminder that no one is above the law.
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