10. Ronald Reagan – 71%
Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President from 1981 to 1989, following his tenure as California’s governor from 1967 to 1975. His presidency is often remembered for his optimistic communication style, economic policies known as “Reaganomics” which included tax cuts, and the initiation of the War on Drugs. Reagan’s second-term reelection was a landslide, and he remains highly regarded, especially among conservative and Republican supporters, often called the Reagan coalition.

9. Bill Clinton – 73%
William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton led the country from 1993 to 2001 after serving as Arkansas governor. His administration restructured taxes to raise rates on the wealthy while lowering them for the poor. Despite a major scandal leading to his impeachment, Clinton’s approval peaked at 73% in December 1998, reflecting strong economic performance and balanced federal budgets.

8. Jimmy Carter – 74%
Jimmy Carter was president from 1977 to 1981 after being Georgia’s governor. His term is notable for creating the Departments of Energy and Education, facilitating peace between Egypt and Israel, and negotiating with the USSR on nuclear arms. The Iran hostage crisis occurred during his presidency, with the hostages released on his last day. His approval rating reached 74% in March 1977.

7. Dwight Eisenhower – 77%
Serving from 1953 to 1961, Eisenhower rose from modest beginnings to become president. He established NASA, encouraged nuclear deterrence, created the interstate highway system, and founded the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. A strong economy and national prosperity helped his approval peak at 77% in 1956.

6. Lyndon B. Johnson – 79%
Lyndon B. Johnson, who took office after JFK’s assassination, served from 1963 to 1969. He advanced civil rights legislation, which cost him support from some Southern white voters, and championed major health and education reforms. His approval hit 79% in March 1964.

5. John F. Kennedy – 83%
The 35th president, Kennedy served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. His term is remembered for handling the Cuban Missile Crisis, promoting the Space Race, navigating the Berlin Wall crisis, and supporting civil rights. Kennedy’s charisma and public speaking contributed to an 83% approval rating in 1962.

4. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 84%
FDR is the only U.S. president to serve four terms, from 1933 to 1945. He led during the Great Depression and World War II, supporting farmers, unemployed citizens, and economic recovery programs. His leadership during wartime, including authorizing U.S. entry into WWII, helped him achieve an approval rating of 84% in 1942.

3. George H.W. Bush – 89%
President from 1989 to 1993, Bush is known for his foreign policy achievements, including the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and support for Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. His approval reached 89% in February 1991 during post-war optimism.

2. George W. Bush – 90%
Serving from 2001 to 2009, Bush’s presidency was defined by the response to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein. His approval spiked to 90% in September 2001, shortly after the terrorist attacks.

1. Harry S. Truman – 91%
Truman led the U.S. from 1945 to 1953, overseeing the end of World War II with the decision to use atomic bombs and entering the Korean War. He also played a key role in founding the United Nations. Despite challenges, his approval peaked at an impressive 91% in 1945, reflecting public confidence in his leadership during pivotal global events.