10 Biggest Idiots In Star Trek
8. Harry Mudd (Star Trek: The Orignal Series / Discovery)
A scoundrel, a rogue, and a con artist, to be sure, but there is also a streak of lunacy in Harcourt Fenton Mudd that is required for him to fool himself into thinking that he can get away with whatever nutbar scheme he's hatching. Idiot by choice or by nature whatever his issue, he's an idiot.
Mudd is an anachronism in the 23rd century. In an age that does require a person to pursue wealth or material gain as a way of obtaining happiness, Mudd has been convicted of being in possession of the stolen property, smuggling, illegal narcotics, and various confidence scams; one that involved the fraudulent sale of Star Fleet Headquarters.
Now, Mudd is a character arch-type, and for the sake of narrative continuity, we have to accept that this is all part of his character portrayal. But if we are suspending our disbelief for the sake of accepting the larger universe, then we also have to accept the premise that it is possible for a citizen of the Federation to get by in life without resorting to crime.
So what's his problem? Psychological treatment didn't seem to be any help to this clown, so we have to assume he's an idiot. In the 23rd century, he can live a life free and clear of any material constraints. So, basically, he's stealing sand from the beach.