Last Updated on January 24, 2025 by Ayoko Ahite

Only one President has served nonconsecutive terms in the history of the United States. His name is Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837 – June 24, 1908). He first served from 1885 to 1889 but lost the following election. Stunningly, he returned and served again from 1893 to 1897, making him the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.

The 2024 presidential election is quickly approaching. Until recently, the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the 46th President, Joe Biden, were the contestants of this election. They had the first presidential debate on June 27, 2024, and Biden’s performance further scared his voters and party leaders who were already doubting his capacity to win and serve four more years as President. His physical and cognitive decline became more evident during that debate. Between his difficulty in speaking clearly and his constant loss of train of thought, the leaders of his party became worried and pressured him out of the presidential race. In a Social Media post, he announced the end of his campaign on July 21, 2024, and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris.

While some think the last-minute change will favor Democrats because of the excitement of electing Harris as the first woman President, others believe it gives Trump an easier path to victory in November. If he wins, Trump will become the second president to serve two nonconsecutive terms, as the 45th and 47th Presidents of the United States.