It was the Gilded Age, a time of rapid population growth and transformation from an agricultural economy toward a sprawling industrial system, when poverty was widespread while barons of phenomenal wealth, like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan, held tremendous sway over politicians who often helped boost their financial empires.

President Trump idealizes the Gilded Age, seeing high tariffs as key to economic prosperity, despite the era's inequalities and corruption. He plans similar tariffs today, believing they can boost domestic manufacturing.

President Trump idealizes the Gilded Age, emphasizing high tariffs and low interest rates to stimulate the economy. He praises President McKinley's tariff policies, despite experts noting the era's inequality and corruption.