Grover Cleveland is most famous for being the only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms (as both the 22nd and 24th president, 1885-1889 and 1893-1897) and for his reputation as a reform-minded leader who restored and strengthened the power of the executive branch[1].
He became known for his opposition to political corruption, his numerous vetoes of congressional bills, and his efforts to lower tariffs and government spending[1]. Cleveland was also the first Democrat elected after the Civil War and helped establish the precedent of presidential independence from party machines by championing civil service reform and appointing officials based on merit[2].
Major accomplishments from his first term include nullifying fraudulent land grants, signing the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 (establishing the first federal regulatory agency), and promoting fiscal discipline[1]. He was nicknamed the “guardian president” for his record use of the presidential veto, tallying 584 vetoes during his time in office[1]. Cleveland also strengthened the U.S. Navy and worked to resolve the border dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana by pressuring Great Britain into arbitration[1].
His second term was marked by the economic depression triggered by the Panic of 1893, during which he repealed the Sherman Silver Purchase Act to defend the gold standard and deployed federal troops to break the Pullman Strike in 1894, actions that were both controversial and consequential[3]. Despite dealing with significant crises, Cleveland held firmly to classical liberal principles of limited government and honesty, earning widespread respect for his integrity[1].
While historians do not generally consider Cleveland among the greatest American presidents, he is recognized for defending the power of the presidency, restoring executive branch autonomy, and leaving a legacy of reform and anti-corruption leadership[2].