Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. He grew up in a wealthy family with four siblings. Trump attended the Kew-Forest School in Queens but was sent to the New York Military Academy at age 13, where he developed discipline and leadership skills. He then studied at Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1968.
Business Career
After college, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, which focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In 1971, he took over the company, renaming it The Trump Organization. Trump expanded the business into Manhattan, where he built notable properties such as Trump Tower, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and later expanded into casinos, hotels, and golf resorts across the U.S. and internationally.
Trump’s business acumen helped him become a billionaire, though his ventures were not without controversy. His Atlantic City casinos faced several bankruptcies, but he always managed to maintain his public image as a successful entrepreneur. Trump became a household name through his reality television show The Apprentice, which aired from 2004 to 2015, further enhancing his public profile.
2016 Presidential Campaign
In June 2015 Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency as a Republican. His campaign was defined by its populist, nationalist rhetoric, and the slogan “Make America Great Again.” Trump pledged to bring back manufacturing jobs, tighten immigration laws, and change U.S. trade policies.
Despite being a political outsider with no prior government experience, Trump won the Republican nomination. He went on to defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the November 2016 election in one of the most unexpected political victories in U.S. history.
Presidency (2017-2021)
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was marked by a series of policy changes and controversies. Trump focused on reducing regulations, cutting taxes, and renegotiating trade deals. He prioritized the appointment of conservative judges, including three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.
His administration enacted significant tax reforms with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, rolled back environmental regulations, and sought to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. Trump’s “America First” foreign policy saw the U.S. withdraw from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal. He also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in an attempt to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
Impeachments and Controversies
Donald Trump’s presidency was highly polarizing. He faced two impeachments during his time in office. The first, in 2019, involved allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine. He was acquitted by the Senate in early 2020. The second impeachment occurred in January 2021 after the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters, accusing him of incitement of insurrection. He was acquitted by the Senate again.
Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice protests, and election integrity issues further fueled division. He continuously disputed the results of the 2020 presidential election, claiming widespread voter fraud, though no substantial evidence was found.
Post-Presidency
After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump left office in January 2021 but continued to maintain a significant influence over the Republican Party. He has held rallies and hinted at another presidential run in 2024. His post-presidency life remains active, with his continued business pursuits and political engagement.
Personal Life
Donald Trump has been married three times. He married Ivana Trump in 1977, and they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. The couple divorced in 1992. Trump married Marla Maples in 1993, with whom he has one daughter, Tiffany. Their marriage ended in 1999. In 2005, Trump married Melania Knauss, a former model, and they have one son, Barron.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Donald Trump’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion. His wealth comes from a variety of sources, including real estate, branding, golf courses, and media ventures.
Legacy
Donald Trump’s presidency reshaped American politics, solidifying populism and nationalism as major forces. He remains a deeply divisive figure, admired by his supporters for his unorthodox approach and criticized by his opponents for his policies and rhetoric. His legacy as a businessman-turned-president continues to spark debate.
