Donald Trump is often seen as a pivotal figure in American history, particularly for his remarkable feat of winning a non-consecutive second term, thus making him part of the presidential timeline twice. This situation has a historical counterpart in Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.
For more than a century, Cleveland was recognized as the sole U.S. president to have served non-consecutive terms, being the first Democrat in the post-Civil War era to occupy the presidency. However, with Trump’s recent electoral success, that singular distinction is poised to change. George Cleveland, Grover’s grandson, offers a distinct perspective on this development. Born in 1952, George never had the opportunity to meet his illustrious grandfather, who served in the late 19th century and had children later in life.
In a discussion with TIME, the 72-year-old Cleveland shared his thoughts on Grover’s unique presidency and reflected on the parallels drawn between Trump and his grandfather.
Explore further: Donald Trump, Grover Cleveland, and the Legacy of Reclaiming the White House
TIME: With Trump’s victory, your grandfather Grover Cleveland is once again in the limelight. How does that make you feel as his descendant?
CLEVELAND: It’s been on my mind a lot lately. I honestly never anticipated we would reach this point. It’s somewhat regrettable because the trivia question “Who is the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms?” used to be a fun fact associated with Grover. Now that’s changed, but he will always be the first.
That’s certainly his most renowned achievement. Are there other aspects of his legacy that you think deserve more recognition?
Well, not many people carry $1,000 bills, but he is featured on one! Beyond that, Grover was quite a reserved president. He concentrated on the immediate challenges, solving problems as they arose. Unlike Theodore Roosevelt, who had a broad ideological agenda, Cleveland focused on specific issues, such as the monetary system. He was a strong advocate against the patronage system, which likely played a role in his defeat in the 1888 election.
It’s rare for presidents to seek reelection after being ousted. It seems there’s a shared tenacity between Trump and Grover Cleveland.
The motivations might be different, though. Grover had clear objectives he was passionate about, and I’m uncertain if that applies to Donald Trump. It’s tricky for me to articulate this without coming off as overly critical of Trump [laughs].
You appear to have some reservations regarding Trump.
I would say that’s a fair observation.
What’s your take on Grover Cleveland being linked to Trump?
I’ve gotten used to it, but at first, I felt the urge to pop an antacid every time I heard the comparison. It’s what it is. Whether I appreciate it or not, and regardless of anyone’s thoughts, Trump has won both the popular and Electoral votes.
Explore further: Presidents Who Won the Electoral College but Lost the Popular Vote
How have the past six months been for you, especially as it became clear that Trump might actually succeed and Grover’s name was being brought up?
Honestly, I didn’t get too caught up in the excitement. I’m just an ordinary person. Those who come from presidential lineage need to acknowledge that their ancestors’ actions will be scrutinized through a contemporary lens, which can be both just and unjust.
There’s a group called the Society of Presidential Descendants. We have an unspoken agreement to refrain from criticizing other presidents. Each one was duly elected, and while some may have been more competent than others, they all served.
That sounds like an interesting organization. Do you hold meetings?
Absolutely! We don’t have a secret handshake yet, though I’ve been advocating for one. I jokingly tell people we meet to discuss all the supposed UFO documents we’ve seen.
Are you serious?
[laughs] Not really. The subject has come up occasionally, I’ll admit.
Do you have any theories about who was behind JFK’s assassination?
[laughs] I might have thoughts on that, but I can’t reveal anything. Interestingly, the first mention of a UFO sighting was made by Thomas Jefferson regarding an event in the skies over Louisiana.
It’s fascinating to think that Grover Cleveland was president in the late 1800s and now his grandson is here today.
Indeed, I believe only three living grandchildren of 19th-century presidents are still with us: my sister Frances, myself, and surprisingly, John Tyler’s grandson, Harrison, who is still alive. I never met Harrison, but I did meet his brother, Lyon, who was a good man.
Do you think Trump knows who Grover Cleveland was?
He might now. He had to walk past Grover’s portrait in the White House. If he’s anything like many others who confuse Cleveland with Taft due to their similar stature, who knows? [laughs]
What do you believe is Grover Cleveland’s most significant accomplishment?
He achieved many smaller yet impactful things. For example, he strongly advocated for a considerable investment in the U.S. Navy, which proved invaluable when World War I arrived. Our naval fleet was much more modern than many others at that time.
However, there are also criticisms of Cleveland’s presidency, such as his support of the Chinese Exclusion Act—
Exactly, you’ve articulated it well. I recently read about immigration policies and came across the Chinese Exclusion Act, thinking, “This is appalling!” It would have been better if my ancestor had been more accepting and progressive, but he wasn’t.
Grover Cleveland was a bachelor when he took office and got married during his presidency, correct?
Yes, that’s accurate. In the first two years of his presidency, his sister, Rose Cleveland, acted as the White House hostess. Interestingly, she’s noted as the first LGBTQ+ person to hold that informal role.
Are you concerned about the current trajectory of our nation?
Yes, I find the entire idea of Project 2025 quite troubling. However, as I mentioned, this is the choice we’ve made, or at least half the country has. Just like presidents in the past, such as Grover Cleveland after his first term, if people are dissatisfied, they can always vote someone out. Of course, Trump can’t come back, as three terms are not allowed.
But he might attempt it.
Oh, undoubtedly! He may even choose not to leave at all!
One commendable aspect of Grover Cleveland is that he accepted the outcome of the 1888 election and left office with grace.
Precisely—and he did it with dignity. I genuinely don’t think there was any wrongdoing involved. If there was, I still haven’t uncovered it; it must be hidden away with all those UFO documents.