Who is the only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms?

Grover Cleveland.

The only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms is Grover Cleveland. Born on March 18, 1837, in Caldwell, New Jersey, Stephen Grover Cleveland made history by being the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889 and then again from 1893 to 1897. This unique aspect of his presidency makes him a singular figure in American political history.

Before his presidency, Cleveland had a notable career in law and politics. He served as Sheriff of Erie County, New York, and later as Mayor of Buffalo, and then as Governor of New York. His reputation for honesty and fighting corruption helped him rise rapidly in the political ranks.

Cleveland’s first term (1885–1889) was marked by his commitment to political reform and fiscal conservatism. He was known for his battle against patronage and graft, and for his veto of wasteful bills. His firm stance on these issues, however, alienated many within his own party, particularly the Tammany Hall faction in New York City.

Despite losing the Electoral College in the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland won the popular vote. This loss didn’t mark the end of his political career. He made a remarkable comeback in the 1892 election, defeating Harrison and becoming the only president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Cleveland’s second term was challenged by economic troubles, notably the Panic of 1893, a severe national depression. His response to the crisis, which included supporting the gold standard against the Free Silver movement and securing a loan from J.P. Morgan to stabilize the gold reserves, was unpopular, especially in the agrarian and silver-mining states. He also faced labor unrest, most notably in the Pullman Strike of 1894.

Cleveland’s legacy is complex. He is remembered for his integrity, commitment to reform, and fiscal conservatism. However, his policies during economic turmoil and his resistance to the silver movement have been subjects of criticism. His unique status as the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms remains a notable fact in American political history.