The Most Intelligent U.S. Presidents: See Who Ranks The Highest

Published on 07/29/2021
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William Howard Taft – 139.5

While he may appear to be at the bottom of the list, William Howard Taft had an IQ of 139.5 and is the only person to have served as president of both the executive and judicial branches of government. He later became the 10th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court after serving as president from 1909 to 1913. William H. Taft was the 27th President of the United States and the only head of state to become the Chief Justice of the United States. He was born and raised in Ohio and went on to Yale University to study law. During his time at the prestigious university, he was allegedly a secret society member of Skull and Bones. He had a successful legal career in his twenties and later became a judge. He was president from 1909 to 1913, and during his tenure, East Asia received more attention than any other region. Taft also intervened in Latin America, either dismantling or establishing governments.

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft

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James Buchanan – 139.6

The 15th president didn’t make much of an improvement over his predecessor. Most historians will recall that as president, James Buchanan set some lofty goals for himself. During his presidency, Buchanan promised to match George Washington’s achievements. Presidents with an IQ of 139 include James Buchanan. Regrettably, he didn’t quite make it.

James Buchanan

James Buchanan

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