Staff Reports
James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, is making a remarkable comeback – not on the campaign trail but rather as a sort of ideological inspiration for Donald Trump, the 45th president. For anyone who dozed off during history class, let’s just say Polk wasn’t the type to settle for small ambitions. Serving from 1845 to 1849, he was the mastermind behind the idea of “Manifest Destiny” and gained an impressive amount of territory for the United States. Fast forward to Trump’s administration, and it seems Polk’s spirit of expansionism is alive and well—though these days, instead of muskets, we’re hearing about trade talks and strategic acquisitions.
During his tenure, Trump has brought forth plans that echo Polk’s determination to expand American influence. Whether it’s the idea of acquiring Greenland or taking charge of the Panama Canal again, Trump isn’t shy about aiming high. He’s even gone so far as to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America,” putting America’s stamp on its traditional borders. In an age where financial might often eclipses military might, Trump seems to be every bit the scrappy fighter when it comes to protecting American interests, facing off against anyone remotely perceived as a threat.
Interestingly, in a bold move, Trump recently replaced a portrait of Thomas Jefferson with one of James K. Polk in the Oval Office, highlighting the connection between the two leaders’ expansive visions. This isn’t just about decoration; it symbolizes a deeper appreciation for Polk, who managed to snatch up vast swathes of territory during his presidency—Texas, California, and more— all within a single term. Polk’s audacious land acquisitions were so impressive that they’ve been dubbed one of the largest land grabs in history.
Portrait Recently Added to Trump's Oval Office Could Have a Much Deeper Meaning Than It Appears: Trump reportedly acquired the new portrait in a trade with Mike Johnson. https://t.co/KKGeIbWiaF pic.twitter.com/qxCj5uGKVZ
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) March 14, 2025
Everyone is getting in on the action, from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who passionately defends Trump’s bold ideas, to historians who draw parallels between Trump and Polk. She makes the case that desiring greatness isn’t a crime and emphasizes that both leaders reflect a fierce commitment to national interests. From Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic to questioning China’s control of the Panama Canal, Trump continues to position America as a dominant global force.
Rich Lowry from National Review points out that while Polk was aggressive in his methods—which often involved war—Trump is all about cutting the deal. But there’s certainly a striking parallel regarding territorial ambitions. If Trump’s team is convinced that the portrait swap sends a message about his own expansionist aspirations, one can only imagine what plans are cooking in the Oval Office for Canada, Greenland, and beyond. It’s almost as if the fabric of American history is whispering secrets about turn-around strategies, and it appears the Trump-Polk connection isn’t just a figment of the imagination, but perhaps a guiding light for future policies.
