The IQ Ranking of U.S. Presidents: Who’s Smarter Than You Think?


Richard Nixon (IQ: 130-140)

Richard Nixon is one of the most complicated figures in American history, and with an IQ between 130 and 140, it’s clear he had the brains. Nixon’s foreign policy achievements, like opening relations with China, are still talked about today. But, of course, Watergate overshadows it all. Nixon’s intelligence was undeniable, but his downfall was a reminder that smarts alone aren’t enough—you need integrity too.

George H.W. Bush (IQ: 130-140)

George H.W. Bush, the elder Bush, had an IQ between 130 and 140. His presidency was marked by his steady hand during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War. Bush was the ultimate diplomat, using his intelligence to keep the peace and manage complex international relations. While his domestic policies didn’t make as much of a splash, his brains were all about navigating the tricky waters of global politics.