8 Hidden Figures Who Quietly Shaped Nations (5 of 5)

1. Karl Rove

Karl Rove never held a cabinet position, yet his influence during George W. Bush’s presidency made him one of the most powerful unelected figures in recent U.S. history. Dubbed “Bush’s Brain,” Rove engineered both of Bush’s election wins and shaped key policies, including tax reform and education initiatives. As senior advisor and deputy chief of staff, he directed messaging, strategy, and crisis management. His cynical, brass-knuckles tactics paved the way for the current, dysfunctional political climate.