As American voters prepare to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the 2024 US presidential election on Tuesday (November 5), we take a look at seven WE leaders who have faced rumors about their sexuality.

There have been 46 presidents to date – and according to official doctrine, they are all heterosexual.

But given that at least 43 of them were in service at a time when gays were still oppressed, there has long been speculation about a few gay trysts going unnoticed.

We have seven leaders harassed by rumors.

1. James Buchanan (in office from 1857 to 1861)

Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States, serving a single term from 1857 to 1861.

Considered one of the most ineffective presidents, the lifelong bachelor has faced speculation about his sexuality.

Many have raised questions about Buchanan’s close and intimate relationship with future Vice President William Rufus King – having lived together for over a decade.

King described the couple’s relationship as one of “communion”, and they were rarely seen apart. Many commentators at the time noted the couple’s closeness, with Andrew Jackson calling them “Miss Nancy” and “Aunt Fancy”.

2. John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

Born into the influential Catholic Kennedy family, John F. Kennedy served as the 35th President of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in November 1963.

Despite his Catholic upbringing, Kennedy was inseparable from his friend Kirk LeMoyne ‘Lem’ Billings, after they first met at prep school.

The two men were inseparable, with Mr. Billings helping to run Kennedy’s presidential campaign and serving as an usher at his wedding — and even getting his own room in the White House.

Although their relationship was considered platonic at the time, author Jerry Oppenheimer claims that the couple had “a friendship that included oral sex, with Jack always on the receiving end.”

3. Barack Obama (2009-2017)

Not all rumors about a president’s sex life are credible. The 44th and current president is a strong supporter of LGBT equality – and his outspoken support has sparked speculation among homophobes.

Wayne Marsden, conspiracy theorist previously claimed that Obama “used basketball games to pick up men,” and had “homosexual trysts with Representative Artur Davis, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.”

Late Joan Rivers added fuel to the conspiracy theory firewhen she joked about a gay president: “We already have it with Obama…you know, Michelle is a tr***y.”

Alex Jones from Info Wars took the joke to heart – just like Pastor James David Manning, who prophesied that Vladimir Putin would “eliminate” Obama.

4. Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)

Lyndon B Johnson served as the 37th president from 1963 to 1969 – amid confrontations over government persecution of homosexuals.

However, he himself avoided scandals when his close personal friend and de facto chief of staff, Walter Jenkins, was exposed.

Before the 1964 presidential election, Jenkins was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct with another man in a public restroom at the YMCA in Washington, D.C., forcing him to resign.

Johnson insisted he had no idea about Jackson’s personal life, saying: “I couldn’t have been more shocked by Walter Jenkins if I had heard that Lady Bird had tried to kill the pope.”

However, opponents made a lot of noise with suggestive insinuations – with bumper stickers joking: “All the way with LBJ, but stay away from the YMCA.” »

5. Alexander Hamilton

As fans of the musical Hamilton know, founding father Alexander Hamilton I have never been president – after a scandal over his tumultuous personal life.

In addition to his affair with a woman, doubts were also cast on his relationships with men.

During the American Revolution, his letters to close friends John Laurens and the Marquis de Lafayette became more affectionate and flowery – while many accounts describe Hamilton as “feminine”.

In one letter, Hamilton described himself as a “jealous lover” over Laurens’ inability to respond, adding: “Like a jealous lover, when I thought you despised my caresses, my affection was alarmed and my vanity piqued.” »

He wrote in another letter, after Laurens’ departure: “I hope, my dear Laurens, that it would be in my power, by actions rather than by words, to convince you that I love you. I will only tell you that until you said goodbye to us, I barely knew the price you had taught my heart to attach to you.

He added: “You should not have taken advantage of my sensitivity to steal my affections without my consent. »

However, historians disagree about the nature of the letters – with some insisting that they are purely platonic.

6.Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)

One of the most iconic American presidents, Abe also spent much of his life around men.

In early adulthood, the president shared a bed with Joshua Speed ​​– who later became a congressman. Without forgetting his roots, Lincoln repeatedly offered Speed ​​a government appointment – ​​only to be rejected each time.

Linclon also shared a narrow bed with his companion Billy Greene in his 20s.

Greene remarked of their comfortable living situation: “When one turned around, the other had to do the same…his thighs were as perfect as a human being could be.” »

7. Bill (and Hillary) Clinton (1993-2001(

There have been many rumors and rumors circulating about the unconventional marriage between 42nd President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton.

President Clinton I admitted to infidelity with Secretary Monica Lewinsky in 1998 – but the final ruling couple have both been the subject of rumors of dalliances with both sexes.

Right-wing pundit Ann Coulter accused Bill Clinton of being a “latent homosexual,” adding: “I think this sort of widespread promiscuity shows a certain level of latent homosexuality.” »

David Letterman joked: “Although the former president admits he once told Coulter he was gay, it was simply a polite excuse for why he wasn’t beating his bony butt.”

The relationship between Kevin Spacey’s House of Cards character Frank Underwood and his wife has always been rumored to be based on the Clintons.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below and remember to keep the conversation respectful.