William Howard Taft

As president, Taft pursued a conservative, law‑based approach to reform: he vigorously enforced antitrust laws, supported federal conservation and the Bureau of Mines, and signed the controversial Payne‑Aldrich Tariff, which deepened splits with progressive Republicans.

After leaving the White House, Taft returned to public service as Chief Justice of the United States (1921–1930). His nine years on the Court cemented his reputation as a dedicated jurist and made him unique in American history for holding the nation’s two highest offices.

Enforced antitrust laws with numerous trust prosecutions, including actions against Standard Oil and U.S. Steel; Signed the Payne‑Aldrich Tariff, provoking a split with progressives; Established the U.S. Children's Bureau (1912); Created the Bureau of Mines and promoted federal conservation administration; Later served as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice