Time-Travel Thursdays: Revisiting Grover Cleveland & Donald Trump's Resurgence

Grover Cleveland: The Outspoken Outsider

Like Donald Trump, Grover Cleveland projected an image of political nonconformity to resonate with the working class. Despite his established background, Cleveland portrayed himself as a populist anti-corruption candidate.

Trump's Outsiders' Advantage

By criticizing the Biden administration from the sidelines, Trump maintained his outsider status. However, unlike Cleveland's original position as a true outsider, Trump has drawn support from industrial powerhouses.

The Perils of Second Terms: Cleveland's Cautionary Tale

Trump's inauguration speech hinted at his desire to push presidential boundaries. Yet, Cleveland's second term witnessed a sharp departure from his commitment to constitutional constraints.

Economic Warnings for Trump

Cleveland's second term was plagued by recession. While the economy remains strong, economists raise concerns about Trump's tariffs, highlighting a potential threat to his presidency.

Quote from Russell Berman:

"There is a warning for Trump in Cleveland's story because Cleveland's second term... was much rougher than his first."

Read More:

• The president Trump is pushing aside: Grover Cleveland enthusiasts aren't thrilled, Russell Berman reports.
• The lessons of 1884: When Grover Cleveland clinched the Democratic nomination and faced an allegation of misconduct, he created a new political playbook, Susan Wise Bauer writes.
• The independence of the executive: In an address to Princeton University published in 1900, Grover Cleveland spoke about the history and political deliberations surrounding his former office.
• Attempts to undo a presidential legacy: Benjamin Harrison, in the twilight of his presidency, sent a treaty to the Senate to advance the annexation of Hawai'i. Weeks later, Cleveland's first act as president was to withdraw that treaty and order an investigation of the American-led overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.