Presidents' Day Reminds Us to Rethink How We Judge Leaders

Trump's controversies fit into a long, messy tradition of public outrage toward the nation's leaders.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This Presidents' Day, the author argues that the partisan rage and controversies surrounding recent presidents, including Donald Trump, are not unprecedented. They reflect a long history of public outrage toward the nation's leaders, dating back to figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The author suggests that, just as past controversial presidents have eventually gained redemption in the public eye, Trump's accomplishments may one day be memorialized in the historical narrative.

Why it matters

This piece provides historical context around the public's perception of presidents, showing that even revered figures like Washington and Lincoln faced intense criticism and controversy during their time. It encourages readers to rethink how they judge current and future presidents, and to consider that today's controversies may be viewed differently by future generations.

The details

The article cites several examples of past presidents who faced public backlash, including Washington's handling of the Whiskey Rebellion, Lincoln's unpopularity during the Civil War, and Andrew Jackson's tarnished legacy due to the Panic of 1837. It also notes that even recent presidents like George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who were divisive during their tenures, now have higher favorability ratings. The author suggests that just as Richard Nixon eventually gained redemption, Donald Trump's accomplishments may one day be recognized.

  • Presidents' Day is celebrated every third Monday of February.
  • The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, signed by President Richard Nixon, established Presidents' Day.
  • The article was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

George Washington

The first president of the United States, who faced the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th president, who was a polarizing figure during the Civil War and faced the New York City Draft Riots in 1863.

Donald Trump

The 47th president, who the author suggests may one day gain redemption in the public eye, similar to other controversial presidents.

Richard Nixon

The 37th president, who resigned in 1974 due to the Watergate Scandal but later gained recognition as an elder statesman and foreign policy expert.

George W. Bush

The 43rd president, who was divisive during his tenure but now has a higher favorability rating.

Barack Obama

The 44th president, who was also divisive during his tenure but now has a higher favorability rating.

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The takeaway

This Presidents' Day, instead of hyperventilating about the current president, we should recall the challenges endured by past presidents and anticipate that one day, even the most controversial leaders may be viewed differently by future generations.