Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, was often referred to by the nickname “The Accidental President.” This title reflects the circumstances surrounding his rise to the presidency.
Fillmore became president in 1850 after the death of President Zachary Taylor, which was unexpected for Fillmore, who was the vice president at the time. His presidency was marked by several controversies, including debates over slavery and the Compromise of 1850. The nickname captures the often unpredictable nature of his political career and how he found himself in the highest office through unforeseen events rather than through a direct electoral victory.