Donald Trump has adopted a more wistful tone when discussing former President Jimmy Carter, a shift from his past criticisms as he confronts challenges echoing those faced by Carter.
Trump has recently alluded to Carter when discussing the ongoing conflict in Iran and rising inflation, issues that plagued the 39th president. When asked why he hadn't deployed special forces into Iran to halt its uranium enrichment, Trump responded, “I didn’t feel like being Jimmy Carter,” referencing the failed 1980 hostage rescue mission.
This sentiment contrasts sharply with Trump's earlier rhetoric during his 2024 reelection campaign, when he frequently called President Joe Biden "the worst" and suggested Biden made Carter appear "brilliant" by comparison. While Trump still mentions Carter, who died at age 100 two years ago, he often mischaracterizes his stance on mail-in ballots.
Echoes of Carter's Presidency
The parallels between the two presidencies are becoming more apparent, particularly concerning foreign policy and economic stability. Like Carter, Trump has found himself grappling with a protracted conflict in Iran and inflationary pressures on the economy.
"I think it is dawning on him — it’s getting through even his thick skull — that he’s kicked over a hornet’s nest and his presidency might be remembered for some of the same things Jimmy Carter’s presidency is," said Johnathan Adler, author of “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life.”
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated, “Trump will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon” and “remains laser-focused on implementing his proven economic agenda to lower costs.” She added, “The president is a one-of-a-kind leader who will always unapologetically advance America’s interests. The only legacy he is concerned with is making America greater than ever before.”
However, Kori Schake, a former member of George W. Bush’s National Security Council, expressed skepticism, suggesting Trump does not typically connect facts to form theories. "He doesn’t stitch facts together and create theories," she said.
Economic and Foreign Policy Parallels
Inflation was a significant issue for both presidents. Carter faced a peak inflation rate of 14.7% in April 1980, while consumer prices rose 4.2% in May, a three-year high. The current situation is complicated by the U.S. military's involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump initiated military action in Iran in February, alongside Israel, targeting Kharg Island to disrupt Iranian oil exports. This action has intensified following Iran's attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Carter also considered military action concerning Kharg Island during his presidency but ultimately decided against it to avoid jeopardizing hostages.
Schake noted a key difference: "while the Carter administration gave serious consideration to attacking Kharg Island, the reason they didn’t do it was they didn’t want to be at war with Iran." "And we’re already at war with Iran,” she added.
Adler suggested that Iran's past actions during the Carter administration, aimed at influencing elections, might be repeated as the November midterm elections approach. "These people are master diplomats, and they proved that during the Carter administration," Adler said. "They’re proving that again. They’re really good at rope-a-dope.”
Legacy and Historical Comparisons
Trump has recently invoked other predecessors, including William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, and cited his decision to seek a ceasefire with Iran as a means to avoid an "economic catastrophe" like the one Herbert Hoover faced. "I’m a student of a lot of history,” Trump stated.
He has also praised historical figures like Andrew Jackson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Despite past criticisms, Trump even included some of Carter's accomplishments on a "Walk of Fame" installation he created along the White House Colonnade.
James P. Pfiffner, a professor emeritus at George Mason University, commented, “Trump is thinking of his legacy, and he might have thought that attacking Iran would have enhanced it. But, in fact, it will seriously hurt.” Pfiffner also suggested that Trump ignored historical lessons by engaging in conflict with Iran, stating, “If he had learned anything from Carter’s experience — and listened to predictions about the Strait of Hormuz — he would have hesitated. But he ignored lessons of history and geography.”
Differences between the two presidents also remain significant. Carter was married to Rosalynn for 77 years, was deeply religious, and pledged honesty. Trump has been divorced twice, uses public profanity, and frequently disseminates falsehoods.
During his presidency, Carter placed his family's peanut business in a blind trust. While Trump's sons now control the Trump Organization, he reportedly earned nearly $1.2 billion from his businesses last year and has openly benefited personally from his presidency.