P
resident Donald Trump revealed his unique approach to evaluating presidential predecessors during a meeting with his Cabinet. He said he assesses their worth based on how well their portraits fit into the White House's redecorating scheme, often prioritizing the frames over the pictures themselves. "I'm a frame person," Trump explained. "Sometimes I like frames more than I like the pictures."
Trump spent time in the vaults of the White House selecting artwork and portraits for display in the Cabinet Room. He took pride in his choices, stating that he had invested "a lot of time, effort" and "very little money." The president even recounted a story about moving a grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office to the White House, claiming it was within his authority as president.
Trump pointed out each portrait and shared his thoughts on the depicted presidents. He praised Andrew Jackson, William McKinley, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, while criticizing Bill Clinton for renting out the Lincoln Bedroom to donors in exchange for campaign contributions. Trump also made a dig about Clinton's handling of immigration during his presidency.
When discussing James K. Polk, Trump noted that he chose the portrait because its frame matched the one surrounding Andrew Jackson's picture. He described Polk as "a very good president who's got the same frame that I needed." Trump also praised Eisenhower for building the Interstate Highway System and being strong on immigration, but acknowledged that his policies had negative consequences.
Trump expressed admiration for Franklin D. Roosevelt, citing his creation of ramps outside the White House to accommodate his wheelchair. He described Abraham Lincoln as "Honest Abe" and noted that the portrait in the Cabinet Room was taken from his bedroom. Trump also mentioned John Adams and William McKinley, praising their contributions to American history.
Trump's comments on presidential predecessors were often laced with personal opinions and biases. His approach to evaluating historical figures was unconventional, focusing more on aesthetics than substance.
