The U.S. President who established the Appalachian Regional Commission in 1965 to address poverty in the region is Lyndon B. Johnson.

President Johnson launched the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as part of his Great Society initiatives, aiming to promote economic development and improve living conditions in the economically distressed Appalachian region. The ARC focuses on various aspects, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, to help alleviate poverty and stimulate growth in the area. This initiative was a significant step in recognizing the unique challenges faced by Appalachia and has had a lasting impact on the region's development and quality of life.