William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, is often remembered for his imposing figure, his strained relationship with Theodore Roosevelt, and his unique distinction as the only person to lead both the executive and judicial branches of government.
However, there’s far more to Taft’s legacy than meets the eye. His presidency, marked by significant achievements and controversies, played a key role in shaping early 20th-century America.
From his dedication to antitrust enforcement and judicial reform to his foreign policy strategy of Dollar Diplomacy, Taft’s leadership left a lasting impact on domestic and international affairs.
His post-presidential years as Chief Justice further solidified his reputation as a champion of the legal system, demonstrating that his heart was always with the courts.
The following facts reveal the complex, often misunderstood, life and contributions of William Howard Taft—highlighting his humor, resilience, and influence on the nation’s history.
William Howard Taft Facts
1. He’s the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
William Howard Taft holds a distinction unmatched in American history: serving as both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
He was the 27th President, occupying the White House from 1909 to 1913, and became Chief Justice in 1921 under President Warren G. Harding.
Also Read: William Howard Taft Timeline
Interestingly, Taft often stated that his dream was always to serve on the Supreme Court rather than lead the nation as its chief executive.
He reportedly once remarked that being Chief Justice was “the highest honor” in his life, and he found his role in the judiciary far more fulfilling. His tenure as Chief Justice lasted until 1930, when he resigned due to declining health.
2. Taft didn’t actually get stuck in a bathtub—well, not entirely.
A famous tale about William Howard Taft involves him getting stuck in a White House bathtub, a story that has persisted despite lacking solid evidence. While the image of the heavyset president trapped in a tub has fueled jokes for over a century, the reality is a bit different.
Also Read: Accomplishments of William Howard Taft
Taft, who weighed more than 300 pounds during his presidency, did have a massive custom bathtub installed in the White House—large enough to fit four adult men comfortably.
Although there’s no verified account of him getting physically stuck, his weight and struggles with health made bathtub-related anecdotes popular, reinforcing his image as a larger-than-life historical figure.
3. He had a rocky relationship with his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt.
William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt began as political allies and close friends, with Roosevelt viewing Taft as the ideal successor to continue his progressive reforms.
However, their relationship took a sharp turn during Taft’s presidency when he pursued more conservative policies and moved away from Roosevelt’s progressive agenda.
Disappointed, Roosevelt eventually turned against Taft, accusing him of betraying his ideals. The rivalry came to a head during the 1912 presidential election, when Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate under the Progressive (or “Bull Moose”) Party banner.
The split in Republican support led to a landslide victory for Democrat Woodrow Wilson, and the once-close friendship between the two former allies was permanently damaged.
4. Taft established the first presidential motorcade.
During his presidency, William Howard Taft became the first U.S. president to adopt modern transportation by replacing traditional horse-drawn carriages with automobiles. He was a strong advocate of innovation and had a fleet of motor vehicles, including a custom-built White Steamer car, installed for presidential use.
This modernization of the White House’s transportation methods symbolized the shift toward modernity in the early 20th century and marked the beginning of what would become the standard practice of using motorcades for presidential appearances and travel.
5. He signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, which hurt his popularity.
The Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, signed into law by Taft in 1909, was intended to fulfill a campaign promise of lowering tariffs to benefit consumers.
However, the bill ended up raising rates on many goods instead, thanks to compromises made during congressional negotiations. This perceived failure to reduce tariffs as promised angered progressives within the Republican Party and weakened Taft’s political standing.
His association with the unpopular legislation deepened the rift between him and progressive leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt, who viewed Taft’s economic policies as a betrayal of reformist ideals. The controversy surrounding the tariff contributed to the decline in Taft’s support and played a significant role in his defeat in the 1912 election.
6. Taft’s presidency saw the establishment of several important reforms.
Despite the criticism he faced, William Howard Taft’s presidency included several significant achievements in domestic policy, particularly in the areas of antitrust enforcement and financial reform. Taft pursued more antitrust lawsuits than his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt, earning a reputation for being tough on monopolies.
His administration filed 80 antitrust cases, including high-profile actions against Standard Oil and U.S. Steel. Additionally, he established the postal savings system, which allowed Americans to deposit money at local post offices, promoting savings among rural populations and the working class. His commitment to judicial efficiency also led to reforms within the federal court system, further solidifying his legacy as a reformer.
7. He oversaw the admission of New Mexico and Arizona as states.
One of Taft’s notable contributions to the expansion of the United States was overseeing the admission of New Mexico and Arizona as the 47th and 48th states, respectively.
New Mexico was admitted on January 6, 1912, followed by Arizona on February 14, 1912. Their inclusion completed the continental United States as we know it today.
This achievement marked the culmination of decades of territorial development and negotiations, symbolizing the nation’s growth and expansion into the Southwest. The event was celebrated as a milestone of unity, with Taft playing a pivotal role in the legislative and diplomatic processes that led to their statehood.
8. Taft was an advocate of “Dollar Diplomacy.”
Taft’s foreign policy, commonly known as “Dollar Diplomacy,” aimed to extend American influence globally through economic investments rather than military intervention. His administration encouraged U.S. businesses to invest in foreign markets, particularly in Latin America and Asia, with the belief that economic stability would promote political stability.
In practice, this policy led to increased American involvement in countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, and China. While some viewed Dollar Diplomacy as a means of fostering mutual economic growth, critics argued that it prioritized American financial interests at the expense of local sovereignty and long-term stability.
Despite mixed results, Taft’s approach laid the groundwork for future U.S. economic expansion abroad.
9. He lost over 70 pounds after leaving the presidency.
Taft’s weight was a source of personal struggle throughout his life, and it contributed to health issues during his presidency. However, after leaving office, he took significant steps to improve his health and fitness.
Under the supervision of a doctor, Taft adopted a strict diet and exercise routine, resulting in a weight loss of more than 70 pounds. He maintained these lifestyle changes for the remainder of his life, which reportedly improved his energy levels and overall well-being.
His successful transformation was often mentioned as a symbol of his resilience and determination, qualities that were also evident in his public service career.
10. He loved baseball and was the first president to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
William Howard Taft was a passionate fan of baseball and played a key role in popularizing the tradition of the ceremonial first pitch. On April 14, 1910, he attended a game between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics and threw the first pitch, marking the start of what would become an enduring presidential custom.
His love for the sport reflected its status as America’s pastime during the early 20th century. Taft’s association with the game helped strengthen the connection between the presidency and national culture, and subsequent presidents have continued the tradition as a symbolic gesture of unity and celebration.