Donald Trump Leads as Both Worst and Greatest American in YouGov Poll

A recent YouGov poll revealed that President Donald Trump is viewed as both the worst and one of the greatest figures in American history. This survey was conducted prior to the United States’ 250th anniversary, emphasizing Trump’s role as a polarizing figure in the country’s narrative. The results highlight divided opinions along partisan lines, with Republicans often viewing him favorably, and Democrats holding a predominantly negative view.

Trump and Obama: Figures of Division

In the poll, Trump and former President Barack Obama were the only figures appearing on both ‘worst’ and ‘greatest’ lists. Trump topped the list of the worst Americans with 34 percent of respondents naming him, including 64 percent of Democrats, 34 percent of independents, and 4 percent of Republicans. Other figures on the list included convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, along with Democratic presidents Obama and Joe Biden.

Greatest American: Lincoln Leads

Abraham Lincoln was the most frequently named greatest American, garnering 18 percent of the votes, with a similar level of support from both Democrats and Republicans. Trump was seen as the greatest American by 8 percent of respondents overall; however, 24 percent of Republicans supported his position—the highest among any individual within the party. In contrast, 0 percent of Democrats and 2 percent of independents shared this view.

Other figures recognized as the greatest included George Washington, with 13 percent support, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. at 12 percent, and Obama at 10 percent. This showcases the range of ideological positions regarding defining national figures.

Methodology and Future Surveys

The YouGov surveys were carried out online, targeting a representative sample of 1,110 people from June 23 to 25, and 1,118 people from June 24 to 27. These were weighted for key demographics, with a margin of error of +/-4 percentage points. The polling involved open-ended questions about the nation’s history and notable figures, followed by more focused opinion surveys.

Additionally, YouGov plans to release another survey focusing on prominent women in America’s history, reflecting on how history typically emphasizes male figures.