Has there ever been a US president with two non-consecutive terms?

Tuesday November 5 is election day in the United States as millions of Americans across the land head to the polls to make what will be a hugely decisive moment for the nation and the wider world. And while much of the focus is on the policy and personalities involved, numerous other interesting tidbits of information have arisen.

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Did you know, for example, that Grover Cleveland stands alone in US history as the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, holding office from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. This unique political journey could now be achieved by Donald Trump, who, after his 2017-2021 presidency, is seeking a return to the White House, with Kamala Harris standing in his way.

Who was President Grover Cleveland?

Cleveland’s journey to the White House, as it transpired, was a series of unlikely turns. Known as a man of few words but strong principles, he was considered a reformer. In the 1880s, he’d earned a reputation for being, if not a political showman, at least a reliably steady hand. His first term saw him focused on fiscal discipline and reducing government spending – a stance that made some enemies but gave him a unique political edge.

His personal life, however, brought its own kind of drama. During his first campaign, he faced a scandal over an alleged out-of-wedlock child, a twist that tested public tolerance back then but ultimately didn’t bar his election. Cleveland was a political heavyweight, even in defeat. After losing in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, he didn’t retreat. Instead, he kept his ambitions alive and in 1892, he won a rematch, marking his return to the Oval Office. The 2024 campaign feels rather familiar, right?

Cleveland part II

His second term, though, wasn’t the triumphant comeback many might imagine. Just as he retook the reins, the Panic of 1893 hit – an economic crisis that defined his presidency and challenged his economic policies. This era was turbulent, but Cleveland’s principles didn’t waver. And despite the downturn, he still left a legacy as the only “double” president in American history.

Trump’s time in office saw a wholly different set of controversies. Two impeachments, deep ideological rifts, and unprecedented approaches to policy coloured his administration. Yet, despite the headlines and divisions, Trump retains a remarkably loyal following, one that’s rallied around his bid for a non-consecutive second term. In many ways, his trajectory resembles Cleveland’s – a former president, bruised by political battles, aiming for a comeback.

But Cleveland’s political environment was one of tariffs, labour, and pre-globalisation economic concerns. Trump, meanwhile, operates in a hyperconnected world with intense scrutiny and social media-driven movements. If he succeeds, his second term would undoubtedly bring fresh challenges and perhaps its own defining controversies.