Donald Trump is frequently acknowledged as a historically significant figure, particularly for achieving a non-consecutive second term in the presidency, a feat that mirrors an earlier achievement by Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. This unique historical context places both leaders in a distinct position within the presidential timeline.
For more than a century, Cleveland was celebrated as the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms, a title he held until Trump’s recent electoral triumph. George Cleveland, the grandson of Grover, offers a unique perspective on this shift. Born in 1952, George never had the opportunity to meet his illustrious grandfather, who was in office during the late 19th century and had children later in his life.
In a recent interview with TIME, the 72-year-old Cleveland shared his thoughts on Grover’s unique presidency and his feelings regarding the parallels drawn between Trump and his grandfather.
Explore more: Donald Trump, Grover Cleveland, and the Legacy of Non-Consecutive Presidential Terms
TIME: With Trump’s recent victory, your grandfather Grover Cleveland is back in the conversation. How does it feel to be his descendant?
CLEVELAND: It’s been on my mind a lot lately. I never really imagined we’d see this day. It’s a bit bittersweet because Grover was often the answer to the trivia question, “Who is the only non-consecutive president of the United States?” Now that’s changed, but he will always be the first to hold that title.
That’s certainly a notable aspect of his legacy, but are there other contributions of his that deserve more recognition?
Well, while not everyone carries a $1,000 bill, he’s featured on one! Beyond that, Grover was quite a reserved leader. He focused on specific issues as they came up, unlike Theodore Roosevelt, who had a broader ideological approach. Cleveland concentrated on concrete challenges, like reforming the monetary system, and he was a strong opponent of patronage, which likely cost him the 1888 election.
It’s unusual for presidents to run for reelection after being defeated. There seems to be a shared resilience between Trump and Grover Cleveland.
Their motivations may differ, though. Grover had clear objectives he wanted to accomplish, and I’m not entirely sure that’s true for Donald Trump. It’s tricky for me to express this without sounding too harsh on Trump [chuckles].
It seems you have some concerns about Trump.
I would say that’s a fair observation.
What are your thoughts on Grover Cleveland being compared to Trump?
I’ve grown accustomed to it, though I’ll admit the comparisons used to make me want to reach for some antacids. It’s a reality we’re living in. Whether I agree with it or not, and regardless of what others think, Trump has won both the popular and Electoral votes.
Explore more: Presidents Who Won the Electoral College But Lost the Popular Vote
How have the last six months been for you, especially as Trump’s potential for success became evident and Grover’s name resurfaced?
Honestly, I haven’t been overly thrilled. I’m just an ordinary person. Those of us descended from presidents have to come to terms with the fact that our ancestors’ actions will be scrutinized through today’s lens, which can be both just and unjust.
The Society of Presidential Descendants has an unspoken agreement to avoid critiquing other presidents. Each one has been elected by the people, and while some may shine brightly, others may not fare as well.
That sounds like a fascinating organization. Do you hold any gatherings?
Absolutely! We don’t have a secret handshake yet, but I’ve been pushing for one. I jokingly tell people we meet to discuss the UFO documents we’re supposedly privy to.
Are you serious about that?
[laughs] Not really! Though the subject does occasionally come up, I must admit.
Do you have any insights into who was responsible for JFK’s assassination?
[laughs] Unfortunately, I can’t disclose that information. Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson was the first to mention a UFO sighting in the context of something he saw in the Louisiana skies.
It’s quite remarkable to think that Grover Cleveland was president over a century ago, and now his grandson is still living.
Indeed, I believe only three grandchildren of 19th-century presidents are still alive: my sister Frances, myself, and surprisingly, John Tyler’s grandson, Harrison. I never met Harrison, but I did know his brother, Lyon, who was a wonderful person.
Do you think Trump is aware of who Grover Cleveland was?
He might know now! He had to walk past Grover’s portrait in the White House. If he’s anything like many who confuse Cleveland with Taft because of their similar build, then who knows? [laughs]
What do you consider to be Grover Cleveland’s most significant accomplishment?
He achieved many smaller yet impactful things. For instance, he pushed for significant investments in the U.S. Navy, which proved crucial during World War I. Our naval fleet was significantly more advanced than many others at that time.
However, some aspects of Cleveland’s presidency, like his support of the Chinese Exclusion Act, are quite troubling—
Exactly, you’ve hit the nail on the head. I’ve been reading about immigration policies and came across the Chinese Exclusion Act, which I found appalling. It would have been great if my ancestor had been more inclusive and progressive, but that wasn’t the case.
Grover Cleveland entered the presidency as a bachelor and married during his tenure, correct?
Yes, that is correct. For the first two years of his presidency, his sister, Rose Cleveland, acted as the White House hostess. Interestingly, she is recognized as the first LGBTQ+ individual to serve in that informal capacity.
Are you concerned about the direction our country is heading?
Yes, I find the concept of Project 2025 quite distressing. However, as I mentioned earlier, this is the path we’ve chosen, or at least half the country has. Just like Grover Cleveland’s experience after his first term, if the populace is dissatisfied, they can vote for change. Of course, Trump can’t run for a third term.
But he might attempt to.
Oh, undoubtedly! He might even refuse to leave!
One commendable aspect of Grover Cleveland’s character is that he accepted the results of the 1888 election with grace.
Exactly—and he did so with dignity. I don’t believe there was any malfeasance involved. If there was, I haven’t come across it yet; it must be among those elusive UFO documents!
