How Many US Presidents Have Been Divorced — What You Didn’t Know Until Now

Divorce, once a political taboo, has become increasingly common in American society. This shift raises a compelling question: how many U.S. presidents have experienced divorce, and how has public perception of this personal matter evolved over time? The answer, surprisingly, is more complex than many realize, revealing fascinating insights into American social norms and presidential history.

Who: Which Presidents Have Been Divorced?

The historical record reveals that only two U.S. presidents have been divorced:

• Ronald Reagan: Reagan divorced actress Jane Wyman in 1949, long before his political career took off. They had been married for nine years and had three children.


• Donald Trump: Trump has been divorced twice. His first divorce was from Ivana Trump in 1992 after a 15-year marriage and three children. His second divorce was from Marla Maples in 1999 after a six-year marriage and one child.

While these are the only two presidents to have finalized divorces before or during their presidencies, it's important to note that other presidents have faced marital challenges and separations, though these did not result in legal divorce.

What: The Stigma and Changing Attitudes

Divorce carried a significant stigma throughout much of American history. In the early to mid-20th century, divorce rates were considerably lower than they are today. Societal expectations placed a strong emphasis on maintaining marriages, regardless of personal happiness. This created a challenging environment for anyone, especially a public figure like a potential president, contemplating divorce.

The fact that it took until Ronald Reagan for a divorced man to reach the White House underscores the weight of this stigma. Even though his divorce occurred well before his political ascent, it was still a topic of discussion, and some speculated it would hinder his chances. As documented by multiple biographies, Reagan’s advisors were concerned about the potential negative impact on his image, fearing that voters might view him as lacking traditional family values.

By the time Donald Trump ran for president, societal attitudes had shifted dramatically. Divorce was far more common, and while personal lives were still scrutinized, the focus was less on the mere fact of divorce and more on the circumstances surrounding it and its potential impact on judgment and character.

When: A Timeline of Divorce and the Presidency

• Pre-Reagan Era: The concept of a divorced president was largely unthinkable. The emphasis on traditional family values was strong, and divorce was often seen as a moral failing.


• 1949: Ronald Reagan's divorce from Jane Wyman. While not immediately impactful on his political career, it became a talking point later.


• 1980s: Reagan's successful presidency helped normalize the idea that a divorced person could hold the highest office. His focus on traditional values in his political messaging also helped to mitigate any lingering concerns about his personal life.


• 1990s: Donald Trump's first divorce from Ivana Trump became tabloid fodder.


• 1999: Donald Trump's second divorce from Marla Maples.


• 2016: Trump's election as president further cemented the changing attitudes towards divorce in American politics. His multiple marriages and divorces were well-known, yet they did not prevent him from winning the presidency.

Where: The Societal Landscape

The changing acceptance of divorce reflects broader shifts in American society. Factors contributing to this include:

• Increased female economic independence: Women are less financially dependent on marriage, making divorce a more viable option.


• Changing social norms: The stigma associated with divorce has diminished as it has become more common.


• No-fault divorce laws: These laws, adopted in most states, allow for divorce without proving fault, making the process easier and less adversarial.


• Increased openness about personal lives: The rise of social media and 24/7 news coverage has led to greater transparency and discussion of personal matters, including marital issues.

Why: The Impact on Presidential Politics

The impact of divorce on presidential politics has evolved significantly:

• Early concerns about electability: Reagan's advisors worried that his divorce would alienate socially conservative voters.


• Shifting focus to character and judgment: By the time Trump ran for president, the focus had shifted to the circumstances surrounding his divorces and whether they reflected negatively on his character and judgment.


• Potential for both positive and negative narratives: Divorces can be framed as evidence of resilience and personal growth or as signs of instability and poor decision-making. The way a candidate addresses their past marital challenges can significantly impact public perception.

Historical Context

The evolution of attitudes toward divorce mirrors broader changes in American family structure and social values. In the 1950s, the ideal of the nuclear family was heavily promoted, and divorce was often seen as a failure to uphold these values. However, as the 1960s and 1970s brought about social and cultural upheaval, traditional norms began to erode, and divorce became more accepted.

The rise of the feminist movement also played a significant role. As women gained more economic and social independence, they were less willing to stay in unhappy or abusive marriages. This contributed to a rise in divorce rates and a gradual shift in public attitudes.

Current Developments

Today, divorce is a common experience in American society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the divorce rate is around 2.5 per 1,000 population. While this rate has declined slightly in recent years, it still indicates that a significant portion of marriages end in divorce.

In the current political climate, personal lives remain under intense scrutiny, but the focus is often on issues such as infidelity, abuse, or financial misconduct rather than the mere fact of divorce. Candidates are expected to be transparent about their past and to address any concerns about their character or judgment.

Likely Next Steps

It is likely that divorce will continue to be a part of the personal narratives of political figures, including presidential candidates. However, the stigma associated with it will likely continue to diminish. The key for candidates will be to address their past marital challenges in a way that demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and a commitment to personal growth.

Future elections may see more candidates with divorce in their pasts. How they navigate this aspect of their personal lives will be crucial in shaping public perception and ultimately influencing their electability. The focus will likely remain on character, judgment, and the ability to connect with voters on a personal level, regardless of their marital history.