Why Trump keeps citing Gilded Age President William McKinley

Apnews - Apr 12th, 2025
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President Donald Trump's recent admiration for William McKinley has sparked a renewed interest in the 25th U.S. President, leading to increased web traffic for Ohio's McKinley attractions. The state, home to McKinley's birthplace and burial site, is hopeful for a boost in summer tourism as a result. Local history experts and tourism officials are noting a level of public interest in McKinley that hasn't been seen in a century, potentially driving more visitors to sites such as the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton and the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial in Niles.

While Trump has drawn parallels between himself and McKinley, experts argue that their political positions differ significantly. During McKinley's presidency, the U.S. focused on becoming a leading manufacturing power, using tariffs to protect its economic growth—a strategy that contrasts sharply with today's global economy. The renewed focus on McKinley also opens discussions about historical legacies, as seen in the case of McKinley's statue being relocated from Arcata, California, due to his imperialist policies. This story highlights the nuanced relationship between historical figures and contemporary political endorsements, as well as the broader implications for tourism and public historical interest.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a generally informative overview of William McKinley's life and legacy, with a focus on his relevance to contemporary political figures like Donald Trump. It accurately highlights key aspects of McKinley's presidency, such as his tariff policies and territorial expansion, while also noting the recent surge in interest due to Trump's praise. However, the article could benefit from more precise details and diverse perspectives to provide a more balanced and comprehensive analysis. The lack of explicit sourcing and transparency about the basis for claims weakens the article's credibility, while the absence of interactive components or direct quotes limits engagement. By incorporating more diverse viewpoints and providing greater context for its claims, the article could enhance its impact and relevance to current political debates.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately describes several aspects of William McKinley's life and legacy, such as his birthplace in Ohio and his presidency during the Gilded Age. It correctly notes McKinley's association with tariffs and territorial expansion, which are well-documented aspects of his presidency. However, the article could benefit from more precise details about McKinley's policies and their impacts, such as the economic effects of the McKinley Tariff and the motivations behind U.S. territorial expansion during his administration. Additionally, the story mentions Trump’s praise for McKinley but doesn’t provide specific examples or direct quotes from Trump, which would strengthen its factual basis.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of McKinley’s legacy and Trump's admiration for him, which may skew the representation of perspectives. While it briefly mentions McKinley's imperialist actions and the controversy surrounding them, it does not delve deeply into criticisms of his policies. The inclusion of more diverse viewpoints, such as those critical of McKinley’s tariffs and imperialism, would provide a more balanced perspective. The story could also benefit from exploring how Trump's policies compare to McKinley's in greater depth, offering a more nuanced view of their similarities and differences.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through McKinley's life, legacy, and the recent interest in him. The language is accessible, making it easy for a general audience to understand. However, the inclusion of technical terms or historical references without sufficient explanation may hinder comprehension for some readers. Providing more background information on key terms and events would enhance clarity and ensure that all readers can follow the narrative.

5
Source quality

The article lacks explicit sourcing for several claims, such as the surge in interest in McKinley due to Trump's comments. It cites Kevin Kern, an associate professor of history, which lends some credibility to the historical context provided. However, the story would be strengthened by referencing additional authoritative sources, such as historians or political analysts, particularly when discussing the economic and political impacts of McKinley's policies. The absence of direct quotes or specific references to Trump's statements about McKinley also weakens the article's source quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited context for its claims, particularly regarding the motivations behind Trump's praise for McKinley and the historical significance of McKinley's policies. It does not disclose the methodology for determining the surge in interest in McKinley or the potential biases of the sources cited. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the basis for claims would enhance the article's credibility. Additionally, acknowledging any potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/note-to-trump-mckinleys-legacy-is-about-more-than-tariffs-and-territory/
  2. https://www.salon.com/2025/03/23/heres-the-key-to-foreign-policy-what-would-mckinley-do/
  3. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-mckinley/
  4. https://reason.com/2025/04/06/trump-is-wrong-about-mckinleys-tariff-legacy/
  5. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/the-paradox-of-a-mckinley-populism/