U.S. Presidents Ranked by Approval Rating

Carter focused on human rights, energy reform, and peace. He helped broker the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, one of the biggest diplomatic successes in U.S. history. But at home, the economy struggled, and his efforts to control inflation frustrated both parties in Congress.

By 1980, the country was tired and impatient. The Iran hostage crisis made him look powerless, and confidence in his leadership collapsed. His approval ratings never recovered, and Ronald Reagan’s promise of renewal swept him out of office. Carter’s term ended with one of the lowest averages among modern presidents.