U.S. Presidents Ranked by Approval Rating

Nixon’s legacy is complicated. On one hand, he achieved groundbreaking foreign policy successes and reshaped America’s global role. On the other, Watergate made his name a symbol of political dishonesty.

Over time, some historians have softened their view of his achievements, but the public still sees him as the president who broke trust with the American people. His story remains a warning about how power and secrecy can undo even great accomplishments.