Donald Trump is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025. Here is an overview of his life and career:
Early Life and Education
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a wealthy real estate developer, and Mary MacLeod Trump, an immigrant from Scotland.
- Family Background: His father, Fred Trump, built a successful real estate business that focused on residential properties in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Fred Trump became a millionaire by the 1950s, and Donald was raised in an affluent environment.
- Education:
- Trump attended the New York Military Academy, an institution he credited with shaping his disciplined personality.
- He later attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics in 1968.
- Trump’s time at Wharton is often noted for his strong academic standing, though he has been known to exaggerate his achievements, such as claiming he graduated “first in his class,” a claim that has been disputed.
Business Career
After college, Donald Trump joined his father’s real estate business, the Trump Organization. He initially focused on expanding into Manhattan, where he became involved in high-profile projects, such as the renovation of the Commodore Hotel (which was renamed the Grand Hyatt New York) in the 1970s. Over the years, Trump expanded his portfolio, investing in properties like Trump Tower in New York City, casinos in Atlantic City, and golf courses around the world.
- Joining the Family Business: After graduating, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, the Trump Organization, in 1968. He quickly took on major projects and became involved in the development of properties in Manhattan.
- Manhattan Expansion: Trump made a major mark in Manhattan real estate in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of his high-profile early projects included:
- The Trump Tower: Completed in 1983, Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue became a symbol of Trump’s wealth and brand. The building was a commercial and residential complex that helped solidify his reputation as a major real estate developer.
- The Commodore Hotel: Trump renovated the Commodore Hotel, which was struggling financially, and transformed it into the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980. The deal made Trump’s reputation as a savvy negotiator.
- Atlantic City Casinos: In the late 1980s and 1990s, Trump expanded into the casino industry in Atlantic City. He built several casinos, including the Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza, and Trump Marina. However, despite early success, the casino industry ultimately proved to be problematic for Trump, as the businesses faced financial difficulties and bankruptcy. Trump’s reliance on high-risk borrowing led to a series of bankruptcies in the 1990s, though he was able to maintain his public image and wealth.
- Branding: Trump also capitalized on his name as a brand, licensing it for various projects and products. His name became synonymous with luxury, with developments in areas such as real estate, golf courses, hotels, and even a line of steaks and bottled water.
- The Apprentice: In 2004, Trump became a television star with the debut of “The Apprentice,” a reality TV show in which contestants competed for a job within Trump’s organization. The show ran for 14 seasons and greatly expanded his public profile. His catchphrase, “You’re fired!” became iconic.
Political Career and Presidency
Political Career
- Early Political Involvement: Donald Trump had long been involved in political discussions but was not initially aligned with any political party. He made contributions to both Republicans and Democrats, though his views were often seen as more centrist. He flirted with running for president several times, notably in 1988 and 2000, but never formally entered the race.
- 2016 Presidential Campaign: Trump’s 2016 presidential run marked a major turning point in his life and in American politics. He entered the race as a Republican candidate in June 2015, with a controversial announcement speech that included inflammatory remarks about Mexican immigrants, which many critics viewed as racist. Despite widespread skepticism about his chances, Trump’s blunt and unfiltered style, anti-establishment rhetoric, and promises to “Make America Great Again” resonated with a large portion of the electorate, especially working-class voters in rural areas.
- Primary Victory: Trump defied expectations by winning the Republican primaries against a crowded field of more traditional candidates. He secured the nomination in a surprising victory, and his campaign gained momentum through the fall of 2016.
- General Election: In the general election, Trump faced former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee. Clinton was seen as the frontrunner but struggled with her campaign’s messaging and controversies, including the email scandal. Trump’s outsider appeal, economic populism, and aggressive social media tactics helped him win several key battleground states, securing an Electoral College victory despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
- Presidency (2017–2021): Trump’s presidency began on January 20, 2017. His time in office was highly contentious and marked by several defining features:
- Economic Policies: Trump implemented significant tax cuts, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered corporate tax rates and aimed to stimulate economic growth. He also championed deregulation, particularly in the environmental and financial sectors.
- Immigration: Trump’s immigration policies were among the most controversial aspects of his presidency. He enacted a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, pushed for a border wall with Mexico, and implemented strict enforcement measures that led to family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. His stance on immigration was a central issue in his 2016 campaign and remained so throughout his presidency.
- Foreign Policy: Trump took an “America First” approach to foreign policy, withdrawing the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. He also imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade war with China.
- Supreme Court Appointments: Trump appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. These appointments shifted the court to a conservative majority, with long-lasting effects on American law and jurisprudence.
- Impeachments: Trump was impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives. The first impeachment in 2019 was on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress over his dealings with Ukraine, including pressure on the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden’s son. Trump was acquitted in the Senate. The second impeachment occurred in January 2021 after the January 6 Capitol riot, with charges of incitement of insurrection. This impeachment marked him as the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice, although he was acquitted again by the Senate.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic became a defining issue of his presidency in 2020. He was criticized for downplaying the severity of the virus, for making misleading public statements, and for not implementing a national strategy to combat the disease. His administration’s response to the pandemic and its economic fallout shaped the outcome of the 2020 election.
2020 Election and Aftermath
- 2020 Election: In the November 2020 election, Trump ran for re-election against former Vice President Joe Biden. The election saw a record turnout, and despite Trump winning several key swing states, Biden won both the popular vote and the Electoral College. The election was contested by Trump, who falsely claimed widespread voter fraud and sought to overturn the results. His claims were rejected by courts, state officials, and his own administration.
- January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot: On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., attempting to block the certification of Biden’s electoral victory. The event resulted in deaths, injuries, and extensive damage to the Capitol. Trump was criticized for his role in inciting the riot, which led to his second impeachment.
- Post-Presidency: After leaving office on January 20, 2021, Trump remained a central figure in American politics. He continued to promote his “stolen election” narrative and maintained a strong influence over the Republican Party. His political future remained uncertain, with many speculating that he might run again for president in 2024.
Personal Life
- Marriages: Donald Trump has been married three times:
- Ivana Trump (1977–1992): A former Czechoslovakian model and athlete. They have three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Their divorce was highly publicized.
- Marla Maples (1993–1999): A former actress and model. They have one daughter, Tiffany.
- Melania Trump (2005–present): A former Slovenian model. They have one son, Barron, born in 2006.
- Wealth and Lifestyle: Trump has long been known for his extravagant lifestyle, including luxury real estate holdings, private jets, and golf courses. His wealth has been a subject of debate, with estimates of his net worth varying greatly depending on the source.
Legacy and Influence
- Polarization: Trump’s time in office deepened political and social polarization in the U.S., with many viewing him as a champion of populism and nationalism, while others saw him as a threat to democratic norms and institutions.
- Impact on the Republican Party: Trump’s influence on the Republican Party has been profound. Many of his policies and values remain central to the party’s platform, and he has maintained a strong base of loyal supporters.
- Future Prospects: As of 2025, Trump’s political future remains uncertain, though his influence on American politics continues to be a topic of debate. He has hinted at the possibility of running for president again in 2024.
Facts
| Also Known As | Donald John Trump |
|---|---|
| Born | June 14, 1946 (age 78) • New York City • New York |
| Title / Office | presidency of the United States of America (2025-), United States • presidency of the United States of America (2017-2021), United States |
| Political Affiliation | Republican Party |
| Notable Works | “Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again” • “The America We Deserve” • “Trump: The Art of the Deal” |
| Notable Family Members | spouse Melania Trump • daughter Ivanka Trump • son Donald Trump, Jr. • son of Frederick Christ Trump • son of Mary MacLeod • husband of Melania Trump (January 22, 2005–present) • husband of Marla Maples (December 20, 1993–June 8, 1999) • husband of Ivana Trump (April 9, 1977–March 22, 1992) • father of Donald Trump, Jr. (b. 1977) • father of Ivanka Trump (b. 1981) • father of Eric Trump (b. 1984) • father of Tiffany Trump (b. 1993) • father of Barron Trump (b. 2006) • brother of Maryanne Trump Barry • brother of Frederick Trump, Jr. • brother of Elizabeth Trump Grau • brother of Robert Trump |
| Role In | Ukraine scandal • United States presidential election of 2020 • United States presidential election of 2024 • United States presidential election of 2016 |
| Education | New York Military Academy (Cornwall, New York) • Fordham University (1964–1966) • University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School (B.S., 1968) |
| Published Works | “Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again” (2015) • “Midas Touch: Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich—And Why Most Don’t” (2011; with Robert T. Kiyosaki) • “Time to Get Tough: Making America #1 Again” (2011) • “Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education in Business and Life” (2009; with Meredith McIver) • “Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success” (2008; with Meredith McIver) • “Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life” (2007; with Bill Zanker) • “Trump 101: The Way to Success” (2007; with Meredith McIver) • “Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies” (2006) • “Why We Want You to Be Rich: Two Men, One Message” (2006; with Robert T. Kiyosaki) • “The Best Golf Advice I Ever Received” (2005) • “The Way to the Top: The Best Business Advice I Ever Received” (2004) • “Trump: How to Get Rich” (2004; with Meredith McIver) • “Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life” (2004; with Meredith McIver) • “The America We Deserve” (2000; with Dave Shiflett) • “Trump: The Art of the Comeback” (1997; with Kate Bohner) • “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (1990; with Charles Leerhsen) • “Trump: The Art of the Deal” (1987; with Tony Schwartz) |
| Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In) | “54” (1998) • “Spin City” (1998) • “Horrorween” (2011) • “Marmalade” (2004) • “Two Weeks Notice” (2002) • “Zoolander” (2001) • “Celebrity” (1998) • “NightMan” (1997) • “The Drew Carey Show” (1997) • “Suddenly Susan” (1997) • “The Nanny” (1996) • “Eddie” (1996) • “Across the Sea of Time” (1995) • “The Little Rascals” (1994) • “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992) • “Ghosts Can’t Do It” (1989) |
Trump’s presidency, business career, and post-presidency have left an indelible mark on U.S. politics, shaping the Republican Party and the national discourse in profound ways. His legacy is likely to remain a subject of intense debate for years to come.
Trump’s presidency was highly divisive, with supporters praising his economic policies and stance on immigration, while critics decried his rhetoric, handling of racial issues, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His time in office and his post-presidency continue to shape American politics, as he remains a key figure in the Republican Party and a highly polarizing figure in the nation’s public life.
Trump’s influence on American political discourse and his unconventional style has had a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.
