Is Walt Whitman Rostow A-List?
No — Walt Whitman Rostow is currently ranked D tier — a minor public figure with limited fame outside a small audience.
Reached A-list in 1966
National Security Advisor
Lost A-list status in 1969
Dropped to B tier — Leaves White House
Ranking Timeline
MIT Professor
Rostow gains prominence as an economics professor, establishing his academic credentials.
Kennedy Advisor
Joining Kennedy's administration elevates his influence in US foreign policy.
National Security Advisor
Appointed NSA, plays key role in Vietnam War policy.
Leaves White House
Leaves the White House after Johnson's term; controversy over Vietnam limits career opportunities.
Reagan Campaign Advisor
Advises the Reagan campaign, but his influence is limited due to his controversial past.
Death
Rostow passes away, legacy tied to the Vietnam War.
Remembered for Vietnam Role
Rostow primarily remembered for his role in escalating the Vietnam War; his theories are not as widely discussed.
Last updated: February 23, 2026