A few days ago, my wife Kathy and son Ian asked if there were any presidents who managed the federal government like Donald Trump. What they were asking was, “Were there any presidents who wielded the power of the presidency as forcefully as Donald Trump?”. Our discussion lead to Jackson, T. Roosevelt and F. Roosevelt. Trump’s presidency shares certain broad themes with Jackson (populist disruption), Theodore Roosevelt (executive assertiveness), and Franklin Roosevelt (ambition to redefine the federal government), but the substance, scale, and governing philosophy differ sharply. Trump is best understood as a populist, media‑driven, institution‑challenging president, whereas the three earlier figures were state‑building presidents who expanded federal capacity in lasting ways.
Key Orientation in Each Presidency
Donald Trump (2017–2021; 2025– is a populist, anti‑establishment figure, who aims at disrupting elite institutions. His diplomacy has been transactional, emphasizing bilateral deals, tariffs, and pressure campaigns. His management style is executive-centered, often bypassing traditional bureaucratic channels. As president he has established a polarization within the governing environment, with unprecedented media conflict.
Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)- was the first mass‑populist president, championing “the people” against entrenched elites. He was known for the aggressive use of executive power, especially the veto. He was the first president to challenge the establishment, most famously dismantling the Second Bank of the U.S., and establishing the “spoils system.” His view of American greatness led to expansionist nationalism, including his removal of Indigenous tribes to satisfy white settler ambitions.
Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (1901–1909)- much to his wealthy class peers’ chagrin, was a progressive reformer, using federal power to regulate corporate excess. He is remembered for his Stewardship Theory– the president should act unless explicitly forbidden. His big personality led to an assertive diplomacy (“Big Stick”), building U.S. global presence. He is also remembered as an nstitution-builder, strengthening agencies like the Forest Service.
Franklin Roosevelt (FDR) (1933–1945)- was a much-needed transformational president, redefining the federal government’s role in economic life following the Great Depression. He is remembered for the massive expansion of federal government (New Deal), which many view as the first major step toward socialism. He had strength in coalition-building, forging durable political realignment. His global leadership shaped WWII strategy and postwar institutions.
Populism and the Relationship with Democratic Institutions
Comparison of Trump with Jackson
Both framed themselves as representatives of the working/common people against corrupt elites. However, while Jackson expanded democratic participation (e.g., party organization, patronage), Trump’s populism is media-driven, often centered on cultural conflict rather than institutional democratization.
Comparison of Trump with TR
Both challenged powerful corporate or bureaucratic interests. However, TR strengthened federal regulatory institutions, while Trump frequently attacks these federal institutions (FBI, intelligence agencies, civil service) as politically biased.
Comparison of Trump with FDR
Both claimed a mandate to radically reshape government. However, FDR expanded federal capacity, while Trump’s agenda often seeks to reduce, bypass, or delegitimize federal bureaucratic authority.
Executive Power and Constitutional Norms
Jackson used the veto more than all predecessors combined. He asserted presidential supremacy over Congress and courts (e.g., Bank War).
TR interpreted executive power broadly but within constitutional boundaries. He preferred to expand a regulatory state through legislation and enforcement.
FDR pushed constitutional limits (court-packing plan) but ultimately worked through Congress. He oversaw the largest expansion of federal authority in U.S. history.
Trump has made extensive use of executive orders and emergency powers. These actions have often seen frequent conflict with courts and administrative agencies. His governing style is often personal, relying on loyalists rather than institutional processes.
The conclusion concerning executive power is that Jackson, TR, and FDR all expanded the presidency in ways that strengthened federal institutions. But Trump’s presidency expanded the personal authority of the president while often weakening or bypassing institutions.
Economic Policy
Jackson was anti-central banking and worked to dismantle national financial infrastructure. He favored an agrarian, decentralized economic system.
TR is known for trust-busting, regulation of railroads, food safety, and conservation. He believed in a strong federal state to manage industrial capitalism.
FDR is remembered for his New Deal which established Social Security, labor protections, and financial regulation. He built these enduring federal programs and agencies.
Trump is deregulation focused. He has established a foreign policy that is tariff-based (China, steel, aluminum). He is establishing economic nationalism without building new federal institutions.
In conclusion, TR and FDR built regulatory and welfare-state capacity, while Trump’s economic nationalism may not create lasting federal structures.
Diplomacy and Global Strategy
Jackson had a limited foreign policy. His focus was on territorial expansion and sovereignty.
TR saw the age of Great Power diplomacy with the Panama Canal and Roosevelt Corollary (an expansion of the Monroe Doctrine). He further professionalized the Navy and foreign service. Remember “Walk softly and carry a big stick!”
FDR was the architect of American Allied strategy in WWII. He created the United Nations. He also supported the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944 which established a new international monetary system, creating the IMF, the World Bank, and a dollar-based gold standard to stabilize postwar global economies.).
Trump’s efforts are best described as transactional diplomacy. He is using tariffs and pressure campaigns (China, NATO burden-sharing). His skepticism toward multilateral institutions (WHO, UN bodies) and has prioritized bilateral deals over alliances.
In conclusion, TR and FDR expanded America’s global institutional role while Trump has challenged or withdrew from multilateral frameworks.
Political Coalitions and Party Systems
Jackson built the modern Democratic Party and mobilized new voters.
TR split the Republican Party and advanced the Progressive movement.
FDR built the New Deal coalition which was dominant for decades.
Trump has reshaped the Republican Party around populist and nationalist themes. He has increased working-class support while losing some traditional suburban blocs.
In summary all four presidents redefined their parties, but Trump’s coalition is more polarized and media-driven than institutionally organized.
Lasting Impact
Jackson is best remembered as a populist president who strengthened the executive branch. But the Trail of Tears will remain a sad and controversial legacy (Indian Removal).
TR is known for the regulatory state, conservation, and global power projection.
FDR will remain remembered for the creation of the modern welfare state and global leadership.
Trump is likely to be remembered for the populist realignment (MAGA) within the GOP. He will also have a long-term impact through his judicial appointments, reshaping federal courts. And there is no doubt he will be remembered for heightened polarization and institutional conflict.
In conclusion Jackson, TR, and FDR left durable institutional legacies. Trump’s legacy is coalitional and cultural, with fewer permanent structural changes.
Final Thoughts
All four of these men had bigger than life personalities. They wielded their power in different ways, reflecting the difference in the social structures of their times. Each will be remembered for the actions mentioned above. The big difference among these men is their motivations. All except Trump were motivated to bring about positive changes for all Americans. Donald Trump, while claiming to represent all America’s (MAGA), appears to be focusing on providing for the best interests of his family and friends. If you are with him, you will prosper. If you are against him, watch out!
