Why Trump Admires President McKinley: A Shared Vision of Economic Protectionism and American Exceptionalism

Preview

Donald Trump's admiration for President William McKinley stems from several key aspects of McKinley's presidency that resonate with Trump's own political and economic philosophies:

Tariff Policies: McKinley is often remembered for the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which significantly raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries from foreign competition. This protectionist stance is a cornerstone of Trump's economic policy as well. Trump believes that high tariffs can make the United States more economically self-sufficient and reduce reliance on foreign goods, which he argues can boost domestic manufacturing and job creation.
Economic Growth: McKinley's presidency was marked by a period of significant economic growth, which Trump admires and aspires to replicate. Trump often cites McKinley's era as a time when the U.S. became very wealthy through tariffs, a narrative that aligns with Trump's vision of economic prosperity achieved through protectionist measures.
Historical Parallels: Both McKinley and Trump have been associated with policies that favored the interests of business magnates and large corporations over those of labor and small farmers. This alignment with big business, coupled with a strong stance against labor unions, is another point of admiration for Trump, who has similarly filled key positions with individuals who support his pro-business agenda.
Foreign Policy Hawk: McKinley was known for his aggressive foreign policy, including the Spanish-American War, which expanded U.S. territories and influence. Trump, too, has shown a willingness to use military and economic power to assert U.S. dominance on the global stage, often taking a hard line against foreign adversaries and pushing for American interests internationally.
Manifest Destiny: Trump's inaugural address and subsequent actions have invoked the spirit of Manifest Destiny, a 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable. This expansionist rhetoric is reminiscent of McKinley's time and reflects a shared vision of American exceptionalism and global leadership.

In summary, Trump admires McKinley for his economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs to protect and promote American industry, his association with economic prosperity, his support for big business over labor, his aggressive foreign policy, and his expansionist vision. These elements of McKinley's presidency align closely with Trump's own political and economic goals.

Why Trump Admires President McKinley: A Shared Vision of Economic Protectionism and American Exceptionalism

Preview

Donald Trump's admiration for President William McKinley stems from several key aspects of McKinley's presidency that resonate with Trump's own political and economic philosophies:

Tariff Policies: McKinley is often remembered for the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which significantly raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries from foreign competition. This protectionist stance is a cornerstone of Trump's economic policy as well. Trump believes that high tariffs can make the United States more economically self-sufficient and reduce reliance on foreign goods, which he argues can boost domestic manufacturing and job creation.
Economic Growth: McKinley's presidency was marked by a period of significant economic growth, which Trump admires and aspires to replicate. Trump often cites McKinley's era as a time when the U.S. became very wealthy through tariffs, a narrative that aligns with Trump's vision of economic prosperity achieved through protectionist measures.
Historical Parallels: Both McKinley and Trump have been associated with policies that favored the interests of business magnates and large corporations over those of labor and small farmers. This alignment with big business, coupled with a strong stance against labor unions, is another point of admiration for Trump, who has similarly filled key positions with individuals who support his pro-business agenda.
Foreign Policy Hawk: McKinley was known for his aggressive foreign policy, including the Spanish-American War, which expanded U.S. territories and influence. Trump, too, has shown a willingness to use military and economic power to assert U.S. dominance on the global stage, often taking a hard line against foreign adversaries and pushing for American interests internationally.
Manifest Destiny: Trump's inaugural address and subsequent actions have invoked the spirit of Manifest Destiny, a 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable. This expansionist rhetoric is reminiscent of McKinley's time and reflects a shared vision of American exceptionalism and global leadership.