# Fox News’ Top 10 U.S. Presidents: Who Made the Cut and Why
Ranking U.S. presidents is like judging a chili cook-off—everyone has their own recipe for greatness. Some voters prioritize economic policy, others value crisis leadership, and let’s not forget those who care deeply about foreign relations. Fox News, known for its conservative leanings, has its own take on who tops the list. So, who made their top 10? Let’s break it down—warts, triumphs, and all.
## What Makes a President “Great”?
Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth asking: *How do you even measure presidential greatness?* Fox News tends to favor leaders who delivered economic stability, navigated wars, left a lasting mark on history, and—ideally—did it all with integrity. But here’s the kicker: even within conservative circles, opinions vary. Some presidents are beloved for their policies, others for their sheer force of personality.
### 1. **Abraham Lincoln: The Unifier**
No surprises here—Lincoln almost always tops these lists, and for good reason. He held a fractured nation together during the Civil War, ended slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech so powerful it still gives us chills. Fox News praises his moral clarity and resilience, though historians also note his controversial suspension of habeas corpus. Still, when your legacy includes *freeing millions*, you’ve earned your spot.
### 2. **George Washington: The Original**
If the presidency were a startup, Washington was the MVP founder. He set the precedent for peaceful transitions of power (stepping down after two terms, a move that became law in 1951). He also navigated the tricky early years of the U.S. with a steady hand. Fox News admires his restraint—imagine a modern leader voluntarily giving up power. Wild, right?
### 3. **Thomas Jefferson: The Contradiction**
Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence and doubled America’s size with the Louisiana Purchase (a bargain at just $15 million). But here’s the elephant in the room: he owned slaves while preaching liberty. Fox News highlights his vision for an agrarian America, but his legacy is a reminder that even the “greats” had glaring flaws.
### 4. **Theodore Roosevelt: The Bull Moose**
TR was a force of nature—trust-busting, canal-building, and conserving millions of acres of land (thank him next time you visit a national park). Fox News loves his bold leadership, though his progressive policies ruffled feathers in his own party. Fun fact: he survived an assassination attempt *during a speech* and kept talking. Tough guy.
### 5. **Ronald Reagan: The Optimist**
Ah, the Gipper. Reagan’s charm and economic policies (“Reaganomics”) earn him a top spot on Fox’s list. He’s credited with revitalizing the economy and helping end the Cold War (though critics argue deregulation had long-term downsides). Love him or hate him, his sunny “Morning in America” vibe still resonates with conservatives today.
### 6. **Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Crisis Manager**
FDR guided the U.S. through the Great Depression and WWII, reshaping the federal government’s role with the New Deal. Fox News acknowledges his ability to restore public confidence (those “Fireside Chats” were masterful), though some conservatives bristle at his expansion of federal power. Still, four terms? That’s staying power.
### 7. **John F. Kennedy: The Charmer**
JFK’s presidency was tragically short but packed with drama—the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race, and early civil rights strides. Fox News praises his leadership during tense moments, though his personal life was… complicated. Would his legacy be different if he’d served longer? We’ll never know.
### 8. **Dwight D. Eisenhower: The Steady Hand**
Ike kept the Cold War from boiling over and gave America the Interstate Highway System (road trip, anyone?). Fox News applauds his no-nonsense leadership, though his civil rights record was mixed—he sent troops to integrate schools but moved cautiously on broader reforms.
### 9. **Harry S. Truman: The Decider**
Truman made some of history’s toughest calls—dropping atomic bombs, desegregating the military, and launching the Marshall Plan. Fox News respects his decisiveness, though debates still rage over whether those choices were justified.
### 10. **Woodrow Wilson: The Idealist**
Wilson gets credit for leading the U.S. through WWI and pushing for the League of Nations (a precursor to the UN). But Fox News also notes his regressive racial policies, proving even “visionaries” can have blind spots.
## The Takeaway
Presidential rankings are subjective—what one person sees as bold leadership, another calls overreach. Fox News’ list leans conservative but includes leaders from across the spectrum. The real lesson? Greatness isn’t just about policy; it’s about how presidents shape the nation’s story—for better *and* worse.
So, who’s *your* top pick? Let the debates begin.
