William Howard Taft is a truly unique American figure who led two branches of government, was a wrestling champion and the youngest solicitor general in U.S. history. Born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft had a distinguished career in law and public service before becoming the 27th President of the United States.
Taft's political career began in 1904 when he was appointed Secretary of War by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1908, Taft won the Republican nomination for president and went on to defeat Democrat William Jennings Bryan in the general election. He was inaugurated as president on March 4, 1909.
During his presidency, Taft focused on trust-busting and reforming the civil service. He also introduced the first federal income tax and worked to improve relations with Latin American countries. However, Taft's presidency was marred by internal conflicts within the Republican Party, leading to his defeat in the 1912 election to Democrat Woodrow Wilson.
After leaving office, Taft was appointed as the tenth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, a position he held until his death in 1930. As Chief Justice, Taft continued to advocate for judicial reform and the separation of powers between the branches of government.
In 2014, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III as the 27th president of Texas A&M, following in the footsteps of William Howard Taft as a distinguished leader in public service.
President Joe Biden delivered a shaky, halting performance while his Republican rival Donald Trump battered during a heated debate on June 27. The two candidates sparred over the economy, abortion, and the Capitol riot, highlighting the divisive political climate in the United States.
President Lai Ching-te met with a bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States on May 27 to discuss foreign policy issues. The meeting underscored the importance of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the need for bipartisan cooperation on international affairs.
RFK Jr. accused CNN of differing standards for him versus former President Donald Trump and President Biden in the June 27 presidential campaign. The accusation reflects ongoing debates about media bias and fairness in political coverage.
President Xi Jinping met with representatives of the U.S. business, strategic, and academic communities on March 27 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting aimed to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between China and the United States.
Overall, William Howard Taft's legacy as the 27th President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to his dedication to public service and commitment to upholding the principles of the Constitution. His leadership and accomplishments continue to inspire future generations of American leaders.
