WASHINGTON — In recent months, former President Donald Trump has drawn frequent comparisons between himself and a range of previous American presidents, positioning his legacy in relation to both their achievements and shortcomings. While known for his sharp critiques of recent predecessors Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Barack Obama, Mr. Trump has increasingly looked further back in U.S. history to define his place in the presidential continuum.

At a White House news conference in April, Mr. Trump likened himself to Abraham Lincoln after a gunman attempted to disrupt the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, framing the repeated assassination threats he has faced as a marker of significant impact. “The people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones that they go after,” he said, invoking Lincoln, who led the nation through the Civil War and was assassinated.

Mr. Trump has also evoked Herbert Hoover, whom he cited in June while announcing a framework for a deal with Iran. Warning of a potential economic crisis stemming from the conflict, he contrasted his efforts to avoid a downturn with what he described as Hoover’s mismanagement during the Great Depression. Historians note that Hoover’s presidency was cut short by the economic crash, but his culpability remains debated, as was Mr. Trump’s concern about economic legacy in the lead-up to midterm elections.

The former president frequently praised Theodore Roosevelt, particularly Roosevelt’s role in expanding American influence abroad. At the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in July, Mr. Trump highlighted Roosevelt’s international stature but appeared less focused on Roosevelt’s progressive domestic policies. Some historians queried Mr. Trump’s historical framing, noting inaccuracies regarding how Roosevelt asserted U.S. power.

On the topic of foreign policy, Mr. Trump hinted at a strategy he dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine” in January, a portmanteau referencing the Monroe Doctrine’s 19th-century assertion of U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. This came shortly after a U.S. military action in Venezuela and amid ongoing tensions with Iran, underscoring his emphasis on an interventionist approach. Analysts suggest this reflects Mr. Trump’s desire for a legacy marked by strong American global leadership.

Mr. Trump has also drawn parallels with Andrew Jackson, casting himself as a victim of unfair treatment amid his second impeachment proceedings. He asserted that Jackson, who was never impeached, was treated “horribly,” aligning their experiences of political controversy. Conversely, his remarks on Jimmy Carter’s presidency focused on what he viewed as Carter’s failure during the Iran hostage crisis, suggesting parallels with current challenges in the Middle East.

Regarding Ronald Reagan, Mr. Trump described admiration for the former president’s style but criticized his trade policies. While often compared to Reagan within the Republican Party, Mr. Trump has diverged significantly from traditional conservatism, steering the party toward a populist right-wing platform.

On domestic economic matters, Mr. Trump referenced William McKinley’s support for tariffs during Roosevelt’s era, aligning McKinley’s protectionist policies with his own trade agenda, including recent tariff implementations that have faced legal challenges.

When referencing Richard Nixon, Mr. Trump highlighted lessons learned from the Watergate scandal, emphasizing his determination not to resign in the face of political pressure, contrasting Nixon’s resignation with his own refusal to leave office voluntarily.

Finally, Mr. Trump has embraced the legacy of George Washington from a branding perspective, noting the prominence of Washington’s name across the country. He has pursued extensive renovation and construction projects in Washington, D.C., aiming to cement a tangible imprint on the capital that echoes Washington’s enduring historical presence.

Historians observe that Mr. Trump’s references to past presidents blend both admiration and rejection, often reflecting his desire to shape how history will remember his own presidency.