Beyond the public facade and the weight of the highest office in the United States, some presidents have shared a scandalous secret—extramarital affairs. While certain scandals, like Bill Clinton’s, became defining moments in their presidencies, others remained concealed.
Donald Trump:
Donald Trump has faced numerous allegations of affairs, though none are said to have occurred during his presidency. However, he is currently facing trial for allegedly concealing a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. Daniels alleges an affair with Trump in 2006, which he initially denied but later appeared to acknowledge in a Truth Social post.
Warren Harding:
Warren G. Harding, who served as president for just two years before his untimely demise, had some of the most bizarre affair allegations in White House history. He reportedly carried on an affair with Nan Britton, 31 years his junior, and even had a designated coat closet in the White House for their clandestine encounters.
Gerald R. Ford:
Gerald R. Ford, who served from 1974-77, was accused of an in-office affair with the German spy Ellen Rometsch. The allegations, made by former Senate staffer Bobby Baker, claimed that Ford engaged in oral sex with Rometsch while married to Betty Ford. Rometsch was later deported after being exposed as a spy.
George H. W. Bush:
George H.W. Bush was married to Barbara Bush for over seven decades, but their relationship faced challenges. Barbara revealed in a biography that she considered suicide in the 1970s amidst rumors of her husband’s affair with Congressional aide Jennifer Fitzgerald.
George W. Bush:
George W. Bush faced allegations of sexual assault in 2002 from Margie Schoedinger, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed after her death. Another woman, Tammy Phillips, also claimed an affair with Bush, but her allegations lacked evidence.
Bill Clinton:
Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky became one of the most infamous political scandals in U.S. history, leading to his impeachment trial. Clinton admitted to the affair, and numerous other women have accused him of sexual assault or harassment.
John F. Kennedy:
John F. Kennedy was known for his womanizing reputation even before becoming president. Following his assassination, several women claimed affairs with him, including college students and White House staffers. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, acknowledged her knowledge of his infidelities.
Lyndon B. Johnson:
Lyndon B. Johnson, like his predecessor Kennedy, was said to have numerous affairs. His wife, Lady Bird Johnson, was reportedly aware of these dalliances, which included an alleged affair with White House staffer Helen Gahagan Douglas and another woman with whom he fathered a child.
