Trump and Jackson: A Comparative Analysis of Presidential Styles

This essay presents a comparative analysis of the presidencies of Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson, highlighting both similarities and differences in their leadership styles, policies, and impact on American society. The essay notes that the comparison between the two presidents began with Mike Pence's remarks after Trump's victory and intensified after Trump's request to display Jackson's photo in the Oval Office. Similarities include their perceived temperamental nature, outsider status, and use of divisive rhetoric, particularly regarding race. Both presidents were also criticized for their loyalty to controversial advisors. Dissimilarities include Jackson's extensive prior government and military experience compared to Trump's lack thereof, as well as Jackson's use of duels versus Trump's reliance on media. The essay concludes by drawing a historical lesson, cautioning against the potential for a Trumpian era to mirror the disruptive and economically challenging Jacksonian era and suggesting measures to prevent such an outcome. The analysis references sources from U.S. News and The Hill to support its claims.

The comparison between Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson started since the day
of Mr. Trump’s victory when the Vice president Mike Pence said that there has been
no such case since the days of former President Andrew Jackson. Since then and
after Mr. Donald trump requested the photo of Mr. Andrew Jackson to be kept in the
Oval office that the discussion surrounding their similarities became more vibrant.
Like Mr. Donald Trump, Jackson was described as short tempered, coarse and both
of them were considered to be ill-equipped to govern the country. Both the
presidents were feisty and considered everyone to be against them and looking
down upon them. Also, they showed their loyalty towards controversial advisers and
promoted them to authoritative positions which spelt disaster for the country. Like
Trump, Jackson also pledged to put the American interest at the top and censured
the “alien enemies” (Killian).
The most striking similarity between both of them is the use of racial discrimination to
divide the nation and a strong antipathy towards the rule of law.
However, there are dissimilarities between the two personalities. Donald Trump uses
the media, social media and speeches to deal with his critics and foes whereas
Andrew Jackson involved in Duels, and in one instance killed one of his opponents.
Donald Trump does not have any knowledge about the government or military
services, whereas Andrew Jackson served as a judge, was considered to be a hero
in the War of 1812 and also represented Tennessee in the House as well as the
Senate. He was also the first governor of Florida. Unlike, Andrew Jackson, Donald
trump dodged the services in the military (Strother).
However, the similarities between the two presidents seem to be more robust than
the dissimilarities. The effect of Andrew Jackson’s presidential tenure had to be

borne by the Americans for two decades, even after his rule and had seen
disruption, financial crisis, economic downturn and dismantling of major institutions.
The lesson should be taken from the history and measures should be taken to save
America from a Trumpian era like the Jacksonian era.
Bibliography
Killian, Linda J. “The New Old Hickory.” 13 February 2017. U.S. News. 13 May 2019
<https://www.usnews.com/opinion/op-ed/articles/2017-02-13/beware-the-similarities-
between-donald-trump-and-andrew-jackson>.
Strother, Dane. “America lived through a Trump-like presidency before, with lasting
consequences.” 24 February 2019. The Hill. 13 May 2019
<https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/430927-america-lived-through-a-trump-like-
presidency-before-with-lasting>.