Donald Trump presidency ‘could be second shortest in history’
Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the East Room at the White
House. Picture: Getty Images
AMY WATSON
09:06Friday 17 February 2017
A leading historian has predicted that Donald Trump’s presidency is likely to
be the ‘second shortest’ in history.Professor Ronald L Feinman claims that Mr
Trump’s term will last ‘between the 31 days of William Henry Harrison, who died
from pneumonia in 1841’ and the ‘199 days of James A. Garfield in 1881,’ who
died 79 days into his presidency after being shot.
Is a Mike Pence presidency 'inevitable' as Professor Feinman believes? Picture:
AFP/Getty Images
The historian thinks it likely that Mr Trump will be forced to resign, or
impeached, within a matter of weeks.Professor Feinman predicts that, even if
his time in office is ‘dragged out, Mr Trump is unlikely to equal Zachary
Taylor’s term of 16 months and 5 days. Taylor died as a result of a
stomach-related illness in July 1850.In a blog, Professor Feinman - who teaches
at Florida Atlantic University - highlighted the forced resignation of National
Security Adviser Michael Flynn, saying it had ‘rocked’ the Trump
presidency.Professor Feinman wrote: “[Mr Trump] having a security meeting over
the North Korean missile test in public space at dinner in full vision of other
guests is a sign of his failure to act responsibly.“His inconsistent message in
his dealings with China... is disturbing. His inconsistency on the two-state
solution in the Middle East is a major problem, as is his seeming lack of
respect for Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.”Professor Feinman also
described Mr Trump’s treatment of the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm
Turnbull during a phone call as ‘alarming’.Professor Feinman, who has authored
a book titled Assassinations, Threats, and the American Presidency: From Andrew
Jackson to Barack Obama, also believes a Mike Pence presidency ‘seems
inevitable’.Referencing his 12 years in the House of Representatives and time
as Governor of Indiana, Professor Feinman states that Mr Pence ‘knows how to
play hard ball’, adding: “It is clear by his demeanour and body language that
he is often uncomfortable with Trump’s freewheeling and careless behaviour.”Mr
Pence could invoke the 25th Amendment, Section 4 with the backing of a majority
of the cabinet, making him ‘Acting President’, says Professor Feinman - even if
Mr Trump vehemently opposed the move.Prfoessor Feinman continues: “Some might
call it a ‘palace coup’ but Pence could make a convincing case that it is too
risky to leave Trump in power.“Pence faces a great burden, and whether one
agrees with his own agenda on domestic and foreign policy, it seems clear that
the Vice President would do what he feels compelled to do if the situation
further deteriorates.” Shortest US presidential terms1. William Henry Harrison,
ninth US President - 31 days. Died after catching cold on the day of his
inauguration that developed into a fatal case of pneumonia2. James A. Garfield,
20th US President - 199 days. Died after succumbing to wounds sustained after
being shot three months and 28 days into his presidency3. Zachary Taylor, 12 US
President - 491 days. Died from a stomach-related illness, possibly contracted
after consuming large amounts of raw fruit and iced milk4. Warren G. Harding,
29th US President - 881 days. Died of a cerebral haemorrhage after battling
pneumonia and heart problems5. Gerald Ford, 38th US President - 895 days. Ford
served the rest of Nixon’s term but wasn’t elected to serve a full term
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