Presidential Biographies | Grant Administrations - Grant's Advisers

Grant's Advisers

Grant reserved major decisions for himself and relied on only a small group of trusted advisers for advice. In keeping with his military background, Grant used a staff to present him with options and then decided the issue himself. This style did not always sit well with his fellow Republicans in the House and the Senate, who considered it their duty, even right, to advise and consult with the president and have the president act on their advice. In accordance with this governing style, Grant chose cabinet officers who he felt would competently carry out his policies, rather than attempting to appease various Republican leaders by appointing them or their favorites to high office. Grant also tended to rely on people that he personally knew and trusted. On more than one occasion, his personal loyalty would be tested by accusations of corruption and scandal surrounding some of his appointees (See also, Domestic...