Trump Nears 80, Cementing Legacy as 'Worst Ever' President

Longtime columnist Gail Collins argues Trump is 'giving old people a bad name' with his continued antics and quest to be the most disastrous president in history.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:06pm

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A pensive, solitary figure sitting alone on a park bench, the warm light and deep shadows creating a melancholic, cinematic mood that reflects the former leader's isolation and the weight of his controversial legacy.As the former president nears 80, his controversial actions in retirement have raised concerns about the lasting impact of his divisive legacy.Washington Today

In a new column for the New York Times, veteran opinion writer Gail Collins mused on Donald Trump's advanced age as he approaches his 80th birthday this year, arguing the former president is 'giving old people a bad name' as he continues to cement his legacy as potentially the 'worst ever' president in U.S. history.

Why it matters

Trump's advanced age and refusal to retire have become a source of growing concern, with critics arguing his continued antics and quest to be remembered as the most disastrous president are damaging perceptions of older Americans. As he nears 80, Trump's controversial post-presidency activities have drawn comparisons to other notoriously ineffective presidents in U.S. history.

The details

Collins highlighted the long post-White House career of charitable work by former President Jimmy Carter, who worked nearly continuously until his death at 100 in 2024. In contrast, she argued, Trump has spent his time 'excoriating his immediate predecessor, renaming buildings after himself, and making a deep disaster out of every step of the crisis in Iran,' while also raking in profits for his family through various business ventures.

  • Trump will turn 80 years old in 2026.
  • Trump has suggested running for president again, which would require him to do so at the age of 83 if allowed under the Constitution.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is nearing his 80th birthday and has been accused of giving 'old people a bad name' with his continued controversial actions and quest to be remembered as the 'worst ever' president.

Gail Collins

A longtime opinion contributor for the New York Times who wrote a column critiquing Trump's advanced age and legacy as president.

Jimmy Carter

The former president of the United States who had a long post-White House career of charitable work until his death at age 100 in 2024, providing a contrast to Trump's actions in retirement.

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What they’re saying

“When younger people start shaking with terror, they should be reminded that smart senior citizens are equally horrified by powerful people who refuse to retire at a rational time.”

— Gail Collins, New York Times Columnist

“Are presidential scholars of the future going to regard Trump as the worst? Below James Buchanan, who failed to stop slavery or the Civil War? Or William Henry Harrison, who rejected arguments that he was too old to run, then died a month after his inauguration, leaving the country in the dreadful hands of John Tyler?”

— Gail Collins, New York Times Columnist

What’s next

As Trump nears his 80th birthday, there is growing speculation about whether he will attempt to run for president again in 2028, which would require him to do so at the age of 83 if allowed under the Constitution.

The takeaway

Trump's advanced age and continued controversial actions in retirement have raised concerns that he is 'giving old people a bad name' and cementing his legacy as potentially the 'worst ever' president in U.S. history, drawing comparisons to other notoriously ineffective past presidents.