The comparison between Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson surfaced frequently during and after the 2016 presidential election. Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist, even envisioned building a “new political movement” akin to Jacksonian populism. But how accurate are these comparisons, and does Trump himself actively cultivate this association?
Parallels Between Trump and Jackson: Populism and the Media
Both Jackson and Trump positioned themselves as outsiders challenging the established political elite. Jackson ran in 1828 against a “corrupt bargain” that he believed denied him the presidency in 1824. Similarly, Trump campaigned on “draining the swamp” in Washington D.C. Both men tapped into a vein of popular discontent, appealing directly to working-class voters who felt ignored by the ruling class.
Furthermore, both were masters of utilizing the media of their time. Jackson leveraged the burgeoning newspaper industry to promote his agenda and attack his opponents. Trump similarly dominated the 24-hour news cycle and utilized social media, particularly Twitter, to bypass traditional media outlets and connect directly with his base. Both understood the power of shaping public narrative and controlling the flow of information.
Key Differences: Expanding Democracy vs. Electoral College Victory
Despite the similarities, a crucial distinction lies in their impact on democratic participation. Jackson’s presidency ushered in an era of expanded suffrage, with voting rights extending to all white men. Voter turnout tripled between 1824 and 1828, signifying a broadening of democratic engagement.
In contrast, while Trump garnered significant support, he lost the popular vote by over two million votes. His victory hinged on the Electoral College, mirroring the contested election of 1824 where Jackson lost despite winning the popular vote. While Trump claimed widespread voter fraud, no evidence substantiated these allegations.
Trump’s Embrace of the Jackson Comparison: Implicit Rather Than Explicit
While figures like Bannon and Gingrich explicitly compared Trump to Jackson, Trump himself rarely drew the parallel directly. He focused more on his populist message and “America First” agenda. However, his actions, such as appointing Bannon, known for his alt-right ties which harkened back to Jackson’s era of white male dominance, implicitly resonated with the Jacksonian ethos.
Conclusion: A Complex Comparison
The comparison between Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson offers a complex and multifaceted lens through which to analyze the 2016 election. While both harnessed populist sentiment and skillfully manipulated the media, their impact on democratic participation differed significantly. Trump’s victory, reliant on the Electoral College and accompanied by a popular vote loss, ultimately diverges from Jackson’s expansion of democratic engagement. Whether Trump consciously modeled himself after Jackson remains open to interpretation, but the parallels, both intended and unintended, undeniably exist.
