Fact-Checking Freemasonry Allegations Among U.S. Presidents
Fact-Checking Freemasonry Allegations Among U.S. Presidents
Freemasonry, the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, has a long and storied history in the United States. It is often whispered that all U.S. presidents are Masons, with the exception of Donald Trump. However, the truth is far from this popular misconception. Let's delve into the historical facts and dispel some common myths about Freemasonry and the U.S. presidents.
Myth Busting: Freemasonry and U.S. Presidents
Despite the pervasive belief that all presidents are Freemasons, only a minority held this-membership. As of the 45 U.S. presidents, approximately one-third were Masons. The rest were not.
Statistical Overview
The figures speak for themselves. Approximately one-third of U.S. presidents have been Masons, while the remaining presidents have not. The last president who was a Freemason was Gerald R. Ford, who served from 1974 to 1977. Before Ford, the last Freemason was Harry S. Truman, who served from 1945 to 1953. This 20-year gap corresponds to a period of 44 years since a president was a Freemason.
facts About U.S. Presidents and Freemasonry
Among the 14 U.S. presidents who were Master Masons, the highest or third degree of Regular Craft Freemasonry, Lyndon B. Johnson is a notable exception. Although Johnson was initiated as an Entered Apprentice, the first degree of Freemasonry, he never returned to the lodge. Another significant Freemason includes Gerald Ford, who was 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, one of the appendant bodies where Master Masons can continue their Masonic studies.
It is important to note that while these facts are accurate, they do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or actions of all politicians. In fact, the last president who was a Freemason was Gerald Ford, who served as the 38th president of the United States. The last 33rd degree Mason before him was Harry S. Truman, serving as the 33rd president.
Political and Social Considerations
The rarity of Freemasons in the White House can be attributed to a combination of social and political factors. While many good men are Freemasons, there are substantial numbers of individuals who are not. Politicians who are Freemasons may be hesitant to disclose their membership due to the potential for political backlash from those who are suspicious of the order.
It is also notable that many Freemasons refrain from openly declaring their membership because of the existence of dim-witted or delusional conspiracy theorists who would not support a Freemason for political reasons. This appearance of secrecy and the reluctance to disclose membership are not exclusive to U.S. presidents, but they do contribute to the mystique surrounding the organization.
Conclusion
While certain U.S. presidents have been Freemasons, it is inaccurate to claim that every president is a member of this organization, especially with the exception of Donald Trump. The truth is that only a minority of presidents have been Freemasons, with the last serving Mason being Gerald Ford over 50 years ago. The historical facts clearly support this conclusion, busting the myth that Freemasonry holds a monopoly on presidential leadership.