The most (and least) intelligent US presidents based on their IQ scores

[jw5]

John Tyler©Getty Images

John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, possessed an IQ score of 136.2. His intelligence likely played a role in his successful academic endeavors at the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest higher-education institution in the United States. Remarkably, Tyler graduated from college at the young age of 17.

 

[jw5]

Franklin D. Roosevelt©Getty Images

It's fitting that one of the most influential presidents in modern memory, Theodore Roosevelt, had a high IQ of 139.6. Before his presidency, Roosevelt attended Columbia Law School but left before graduating, having already passed the New York Bar Exam.

 

[jw5]

Abraham Lincoln©Getty Images

Abraham Lincoln, one of the most renowned presidents in American history, is estimated to have had an IQ score of 140, placing him at the threshold of genius. Before his iconic presidency, Lincoln taught himself law and went on to become a successful attorney without attending university.

 

[jw5]

James Madison©Getty Images

James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, demonstrated exceptional intelligence with an estimated IQ of 141.25. As a young and outstanding student at Princeton University, he completed his three-year degree in just two years. Madison went on to become one of the primary drafters of the Constitution, earning him the honorary title of the "Father of the Constitution."

 

[jw5]

James Garfield / Chester Arthur©Getty Images

James Garfield and Chester Arthur, the 20th and 21st presidents of the United States, shared an estimated IQ of 141.5. In their school days, both Garfield and Arthur faced challenges, with Garfield being bullied for being fatherless and Arthur for his obesity. However, both men were exemplary students, with Garfield graduating second in his class and Arthur serving as president of his debate team.

 

[steffychun]

Those with high IQ are or were corrupt.

 

[jw5]

Theodore Roosevelt©Getty Images

Theodore Roosevelt, often called Teddy, was the 26th president of the United States. He holds the distinction of being the youngest person to ever hold the office, taking over at the age of 42 after the assassination of President William McKinley, under whom Roosevelt served as vice president. With one of the highest recorded IQs of any president at 142.28, Roosevelt applied his intelligence to revitalize the national parks program, initiate antitrust legislation, and negotiate the treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War.

 

[jw5]

John Adams©Getty Images

John Adams, the second president of the United States and the recognized founder of the US Navy, had an impressive IQ score of 142.5. His high intelligence likely played a role in his enrollment at Harvard University at the age of 16, where he studied classical literature in the original Greek and Latin.

 

[jw5]

Jimmy Carter/ Woodrow Wilson©Getty Images

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, and Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, share an impressive IQ score of 145.1. Despite being an average student, Carter excelled at the US Naval Academy. In contrast, Wilson had a distinguished career in academia before entering politics, where he specialized in history and political science as a scholar.

 

[jw5]

Bill Clinton©Getty Images

Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States and the sole president to be a Rhodes Scholar, possesses an impressive IQ score of 148.8. His natural intellect helped him secure a scholarship to Georgetown University in Virginia, and later, the Rhodes Scholarship facilitated his studies at Oxford. Subsequently, Clinton attended Yale Law School, showcasing his commitment to academic and intellectual pursuits.

 

[jw5]

John F. Kennedy©Getty Images

John F. Kennedy, with an IQ of 150.65, served as the 35th president of the United States for three years. He is firmly cemented in history as one of the most iconic presidents, playing a significant role in the tumultuous events of the Cold War. Kennedy tragically became the victim of one of the most publicized assassinations in the history of the United States.

 

[jw5]

Thomas Jefferson©Getty Images

Thomas Jefferson, with an estimated IQ score of 153.75, was undeniably one of the most industrious Americans in history. Beyond serving as the third president of the United States, he held roles such as the president of the American Philosophical Society. Additionally, Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Virginia. His multifaceted contributions have left a lasting impact on American history and education.

 

[jw5]

John Quincy Adams©Getty Images

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, is estimated to have had an exceptionally high IQ score of 168.75, making him one of the most intellectually gifted presidents in history. From a young age, Adams displayed signs of brilliance, influenced in part by his father John Adams. He was an enthusiastic reader and translator of classic Greek and Latin texts. Adams is also renowned for maintaining a diary from his early years until his death, providing valuable insights into his thoughts and experiences over a lifetime.

 

[jw5]

George W. Bush©Getty Images

With an IQ score of 124.88, as reported by Ranker, Bush continued a family tradition by attending a boarding school. Despite facing initial challenges, he later proudly emphasized that his journey illustrates how a straight-C student can achieve success.
He encountered severe criticism for the Iraq War, his administration's response to Hurricane Katrina's devastation, and other notable controversies.

 

[jw5]

Joe Biden©Getty Images

According to Sociosite, Joe Biden's estimated IQ is 115, placing him in the "High Average" IQ category. While not in the "genius" range, Biden's success extends to his roles as senator, vice president, and author. Known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and keen debating skills, Biden attended the University of Delaware and worked as a public defender after law school. His strong memory served him well during his tenure as a senator.

 

[bobby]

Why donch you do a list for SG presidents?

 

[steffychun]

Why donch you do a list for SG presidents?

He's a PAP stooge.

 

[jw5]

Donald Trump©Getty Images

In 2015, Donald Trump entered the political arena as a Republican candidate, and despite lacking prior experience, he won the 2016 presidential election. His presidency was marked by controversy, polarization, and significant policy shifts in immigration, tax reform, and foreign policy. Regardless of opinions, Trump's undeniable impact on American society and politics is reflected in his alleged IQ of 145, as reported by Ranker.

 

[jw5]

Barack Obama©Getty Images

After obtaining degrees from Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Barack Obama became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. He worked as a community organizer in Chicago, and later served three terms representing the 13th District on the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004.
President from January 20, 2009, to January 20, 2017, Obama enacted significant legislation, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Bill, and the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act. His alleged IQ of 155 underscores his intellectual prowess in his multifaceted career, as reported by Ranker.