Is Trump as Bad as FDR’s Controversies?

The debate over the character and actions of past presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and Donald Trump, often provokes spirited discussions. A particular area of contention centers around potential foreign influence and backchannel diplomacy. Critics have likened Trump to FDR, suggesting that both presidents engaged in questionable activities with foreign governments. However, these comparisons do not stand up to historical scrutiny.

FDR's Controversies and Backchannel Diplomacy

One of the primary criticisms of FDR concerns his interactions with the Soviet Union (USSR) and alleged assistance from Soviet intelligence. Critics argue that before FDR's election, the USSR secretly aided him, using hackers and other means to gain an advantage. However, this assertion is based on unfounded claims and lacks historical evidence. FDR was elected in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944, long before the advent of modern computing technology and the internet.

Even in the mid-20th century, the technology available was quite rudimentary. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Harvard Mark I were early digital computers, but they were far from the internet or even basic computer networks. Therefore, the notion of hackers actively influencing FDR's elections is simply not supported by historical data. Early communication methods, like carrier pigeons, were common, and while they were not secure, they were far from what modern cybersecurity concerns entail.

Trump's Controversies and Russian Influence

Donald Trump's presidency was marked by several controversies, one of which was his interaction with the Russian government. Critics have pointed out that Trump made contacts with the Russian government while he was not yet in office, and the Russians actively worked to influence his election. This, however, is a different scenario from FDR's alleged interactions with the USSR.

A specific concern during Trump's presidency was the involvement of Michael Flynn, who made direct contact with Russian officials before taking office. Flynn communicated sensitive information, even being recorded, and later lied about these conversations. This behavior is indeed concerning and has been deemed as potentially treasonous under US laws. These actions were unauthorized and likely contributed to the current intelligence community's trust issues with the Trump administration.

Comparing the Historical Contexts

While both FDR and Trump faced scrutiny over their interactions with foreign governments, the nature and context of these interactions are significantly different. FDR's era did not have the technological infrastructure or cybersecurity concerns that exist today. Early communications relied heavily on face-to-face meetings and traditional media channels, which made large-scale covert operations much more difficult.

In contrast, Trump's presidency took place in the digital age, where communication was more facilitated through social media and the internet. Allegations of Russian influence during the 2016 election were based on cybersecurity concerns and the use of social media for propaganda, which are much more pressing issues than the supposed influence of hackers in a pre-digital era.

Conclusion

While both FDR and Trump faced criticism for their interactions with foreign governments, the nature and context of these interactions differ significantly. FDR's alleged involvement with Soviet intelligence predates the modern era of cybersecurity and the internet, whereas Trump's alleged contacts with the Russian government occurred in a digital age where cyber operations are a major concern. The comparison is thus misleading and unfounded when it comes to the actual practices and the technological context of each time period.

It is crucial for discussions around historical figures and their actions to be based on factual evidence rather than unfounded claims. Historical context and technological advancements play a significant role in shaping the nature and impact of such interactions.