In 1896, the “pops” decided not to run a candidate of their own for two reasons. One is that the Democratic nominee, William Jennings Bryan, adopted important parts of the Populist platform.

Trump’s new obsession with William McKinley undermines his ‘populist’ reputation. McKinley was the literal enemy of the original populists. Jan. 22, 2025, 6:00 AM EST.

William McKinley was a largely forgotten American president until Donald Trump returned to the White House as his biggest fan, due to McKinley’s own love affair with tariffs.

Though he is known today as a ‘tariff guy,’ the 25th president changed his mind about the use of levies. Here’s what to know about McKinley, and Trump’s apparent fascination with him.

William McKinley. Terms: 1897-1901 Political Party: Republican First Lady: Ida Saxton McKinley Vice President: Garret A. Hobart, Theodore Roosevelt. Overview ...

At the time, William McKinley was making waves from the White House, and the 25th president continues to be referenced in many of Trump's speeches, media interviews and even his inaugural address.