Warren G. Harding

Harding oversaw a swift postwar transition, promoting pro-business economic policies, tax reductions, and government reform measures such as the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921; he also led international diplomacy at the Washington Naval Conference (1921–22).

His administration was later tarnished by scandals—most notably the Teapot Dome bribery case—that emerged after his sudden death, leaving historians to weigh his policy achievements against ethical failures among appointees and the lasting damage to his reputation.

Ran on a "Return to Normalcy" platform and promoted pro-business, limited-government policies; Signed the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 creating the Bureau of the Budget; Convened the 1921–22 Washington Naval Conference to limit naval arms; Enacted the Revenue Act of 1921 and the Fordney–McCumber Tariff affecting taxes and trade; Died in office (August 2, 1923) and left an administration later tarnished by the Teapot Dome scandal