The Most Narcissistic Presidents in Modern U.S. History Ranked

The article, published on newsweek.com by Aristos Georgiou, reveals that U.S. presidents with high levels of narcissism tend to prolong wars to protect or enhance their self-image, often insisting on the appearance of victory before considering an exit. These leaders prioritize appearing heroic, strong, and competent—even if it means unnecessarily prolonging conflict—because their wartime decisions are often driven more by personal ego than by rational state interests. Historical examples such as Franklin Roosevelt and Richard Nixon show how narcissistic tendencies can blur the line between self-interest and national interest, leading to protracted military engagements.

However, the study referenced in the article acknowledges exceptions to the trend. For example, Theodore Roosevelt scored highly on narcissism, but he never led the country to war, although he did view war as a means of demonstrating strength. Conversely, Harry Truman, with low narcissism, stayed in the Korean War for years, driven more by Cold War geopolitics than personal image. The ranking was created by John Harden, an assistant professor of political science at Ripon College, and it features in a study published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution. Harden emphasizes that narcissism is not the only factor determining war duration, but it remains a significant and consistent influence in how some presidents approach armed conflict.