What Happened
US President Donald Trump arrives to participate in a roundtable on the American mining industry Department Washington, DC. KENT NISHIMURA/ caption
President Trump is confronting a question that has haunted presidents throughout history: how a war — longer than predicted — can reshape a presidency.
Behind the scenes and in public remarks, Trump has acknowledged seeking an agreement escaping comparisons to former President Herbert Hoover, the Republican whose name became synonymous with economic collapse Depression.
"I've studied presidents, some good, some bad, some great," G7 summit in France. " really bad. recently. The one president I , great Herbert Hoover. I didn't happened. But bad things happen."
Why It Matters
Those remarks offhand remark. They reveal his sensibilities a good president remembered by history. It's recognition judged happens on the battlefield, impacts on inflation, gas prices and voters' .
Trump, born in 1946, grew up during a time when Hoover served as a cautionary example during difficult economic times.
Hoover Republican principles that the government shouldn't meddle in the economy — a decision political mistakes of the 20th century.
"Trump often reveals what he's thinking with these comments he makes," , a presidential historian and former George W. Bush. " asides, but I think they're indicative of his upbringing. a period where Herbert Hoover was a very negative ."
What Comes Next
During the financial crisis of 2008, President George W. Bush raised his own concerns Office meeting congressional leaders urging them to approve stabilize the financial markets. Bush argued better to take action — compared to Herbert Hoover.
"We'. I'm Herbert Hoover," leaders, presidential historian Russell Inside the George W. : An Oral History.
Ronald Reagan also faced Hoover comparisons during the recession of 1981 and 1982, but escaped the association when the economy rebounded.
"Any Republican president economic danger of being tagged as Herbert Hoover," Troy said. "You don't really hear people saying Jimmy Carter was Herbert Hoover. It's constantly something that happens to Republican presidents."
For Trump, that concern is more urgent energy and inflation.
recession are higher , but they' charts, according , chief economist at the accounting firm KPMG. higher the longer that inflation persists leaves it unaddressed, noting that inflation has persisted .
Still, she cautioned against treating today's economy as a replay of Hoover's experience — noting the economy was much different better prevent such a catastrophe.
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