Johnson and Trump

America, in its more than 200-year history, has gone through profound change from a British colony to a powerful nation on the world stage. However, while some things evolve, the conflict and clashes between Congress and the President have not changed. Discord and strife between Congress and the President can arise from different agendas, beliefs, or ideologies. From former President Andrew Johnson during the 19th century to President Trump in the 21st century, history is the best testament to the Congressional opposition against the President due to clashing intentions and political affiliations.

Traveling back in time to the Johnson administration during Reconstruction, it is evident that there was internal strife between Democrat President Johnson and the Republicans in Congress. For instance, Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act to limit Johnson’s power and even impeached him- but failed to remove him from office. Although Johnson included some parts of Lincoln’s plan, Johnson ultimately implemented his own Reconstruction plan that allowed wealthy Southerners to be freed and hold office. There were two main reasons for the Congressional opposition to Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction. First, the radical Republicans criticized Johnson for not doing enough for the freedmen and freedwomen. Johnson, on the other hand, was a firm believer that the Civil War was fought solely to preserve the union, not to free the slaves; since Johnson was a Southern Democrat and a White Supremacist, he was bound to clash with the radical Republicans. Second, Johnson lost the support and favor of the moderate Republicans with his frequent use of vetoes; Johnson forfeited their backing when he vetoed bills funding the Freedman’s Bureau and a bill regarding civil rights for blacks. Although Johnson was initially welcomed by the Congressional Republicans for siding with the Union, the two parties ultimately fell out due to differing agendas.

Almost parallel to the Johnson administration, the same two forces can be seen opposing each other in the 21st century. However, this time, the opposition is coming from a Democrat-held House of Representatives against the Republican President Trump. From day one, many Democrats refused to acknowledge Trump as the president and even impeached Trump- although the Democrats failed to remove him from office. House Democrats attempt to block President Trump’s agenda; this is most clearly seen in the second wave of stimulus checks, where the Democrat House obstructed the president from achieving his plan, leading to negotiations. Equally relevant is the clash over the confirmation of President Trump’s nominees to government posts. Clashing political affiliations and beliefs lead to the result which is the internal civil war between House Democrats and the Republican President.

“History always repeats itself,” holds some degrees of truth- most clearly seen in the Congressional defiance against President Johnson or Trump. The stiff non-compliance from Congress can stem from varying political stances, agendas, and ideologies. While the fierce tug-of-war between a Republican Congress and a Democrat President during the Johnson administration contributed to a failed Reconstruction, the consequences of internal battles during the Trump presidency will also be felt.