Donald Trump (born 1946) is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Before his presidency, Trump was known for his real estate empire, including iconic properties like Trump Tower, and for hosting the reality TV show “The Apprentice.” His presidency was marked by a focus on economic nationalism, immigration reform, and contentious domestic and foreign policies. A polarizing figure, Trump faced impeachment twice but was acquitted both times. After his presidency, he remained an influential figure in the Republican Party and American politics.
Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Frederick C. Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. The fourth of five children, Trump grew up in the affluent neighborhood of Jamaica Estates. His father was a prominent real estate developer known for building and operating middle-income apartments in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
Trump attended the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, Queens, until he was 13 years old. His parents then sent him to the New York Military Academy (NYMA) in 1964 to instill discipline. At NYMA, Trump thrived both academically and in sports, particularly in baseball. After graduating from NYMA in 1964, Trump enrolled at Fordham University in the Bronx. He transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania after two years, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968.
Early Career and Business Ventures
After graduating from Wharton, Trump joined his father’s company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which focused on middle-class rental housing in New York City’s outer boroughs. In 1971, he took control of the company and renamed it The Trump Organization. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations, moving into the Manhattan real estate market.
Trump’s first major Manhattan project was the renovation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt in 1978. The project was a success and established Trump as a major player in the Manhattan real estate scene. He then acquired and developed several high-profile properties, including the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, which opened in 1983, and Trump Plaza, a luxury residential building.
Trump’s business ventures extended beyond real estate. In 1984, he opened Harrah’s at Trump Plaza, a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in partnership with Harrah’s Entertainment. The casino was later renamed Trump Plaza. He also acquired the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, which opened in 1990. However, these ventures were not without financial difficulties. By the early 1990s, several of Trump’s businesses had filed for bankruptcy due to heavy debt loads.
Expansion and Branding
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Trump continued to expand his real estate empire and ventured into new areas, including sports and entertainment. He purchased the New Jersey Generals, a team in the short-lived United States Football League (USFL), in 1983. Although the league folded in 1986, Trump’s involvement in professional sports helped raise his public profile.
Trump also made a name for himself as a media personality. In 1987, he published his first book, “The Art of the Deal,” which became a bestseller and solidified his reputation as a savvy businessman. The book offered insights into Trump’s business philosophy and negotiation strategies, and it helped him become a household name.
During the 1990s, Trump expanded his brand through licensing deals and television appearances. He became a regular guest on talk shows and news programs, further increasing his visibility. In 2004, Trump debuted as the host of the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” where contestants competed for a management job within The Trump Organization. The show’s success further cemented Trump’s celebrity status and introduced his catchphrase, “You’re fired!”
Political Ambitions and Presidential Campaign
Trump’s political ambitions began to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He flirted with the idea of running for president in 1988 and again in 2000 as a candidate for the Reform Party. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that Trump formally announced his candidacy for the presidency as a Republican.
Trump’s campaign was marked by its unconventional style and populist rhetoric. He focused on issues such as immigration, trade, and national security, and he frequently used social media to communicate directly with voters. His campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” resonated with many Americans who felt left behind by economic and social changes.
Despite facing numerous controversies and criticisms, Trump won the Republican nomination and went on to defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. His victory was considered one of the biggest political upsets in American history.
Presidency (2017-2021)
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was characterized by a number of significant policy changes and controversies.
Domestic Policy
One of Trump’s first major actions as president was to issue an executive order restricting travel from several predominantly Muslim countries, which he argued was necessary for national security. The order faced legal challenges and was revised multiple times before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Trump also focused on deregulation and tax reform. In 2017, he signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced corporate tax rates and implemented individual tax cuts. His administration rolled back numerous regulations, particularly those related to environmental protection and business practices.
Healthcare was another key issue during Trump’s presidency. He and the Republican-controlled Congress attempted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. Although they were unable to fully repeal the ACA, they did eliminate the individual mandate, which required people to have health insurance or face a penalty.
Foreign Policy
Trump’s foreign policy was marked by a focus on “America First” principles, emphasizing national sovereignty and economic interests. He withdrew the United States from several international agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Iran nuclear deal. He also renegotiated trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Trump’s relationship with North Korea was a significant aspect of his foreign policy. He held historic summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018 and 2019, aiming to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. However, these efforts did not lead to a concrete agreement, and North Korea continued its missile and nuclear programs.
Impeachment and Controversies
Trump’s presidency was marred by numerous controversies and legal challenges. In 2019, he became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. The impeachment centered on allegations that Trump had abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, a political rival, and his son Hunter Biden. Trump was acquitted by the Senate in early 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge during Trump’s presidency. His administration’s response to the pandemic was widely criticized for its handling of testing, communication, and public health measures. Despite these criticisms, Trump’s Operation Warp Speed initiative played a key role in accelerating the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Post-Presidency
After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to challenge the results, alleging widespread voter fraud without substantial evidence. His claims culminated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021, an event that led to his second impeachment. Trump was again acquitted by the Senate.
Since leaving office, Trump has remained a prominent figure in the Republican Party and American politics. He has hinted at a potential run for the presidency in 2024 and continues to influence the party through endorsements and public statements.
Legacy and Impact
Donald Trump’s legacy is a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Supporters credit him with reshaping the Republican Party, implementing significant tax reforms, and appointing conservative judges to the federal judiciary, including three Supreme Court justices. They also highlight his efforts to renegotiate trade deals and prioritize American interests in foreign policy.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that Trump’s presidency was marked by divisiveness, disregard for democratic norms, and undermining of public trust in institutions. They point to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the separation of immigrant families at the border, and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot as significant failures.
Regardless of one’s perspective, there is no denying that Donald Trump has had a profound impact on American politics and society. His unconventional approach to politics, use of social media, and ability to mobilize a dedicated base of supporters have reshaped the political landscape in ways that will be studied and debated for years to come.
Personal Life
Trump’s personal life has also been a source of public interest and media attention. He has been married three times and has five children. His first marriage was to Ivana Trump in 1977, with whom he has three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. The couple divorced in 1992. In 1993, Trump married Marla Maples, with whom he has a daughter, Tiffany. They divorced in 1999. Trump married his third wife, Melania Knauss, in 2005. They have one son, Barron.
Trump’s children have been actively involved in his business and political ventures. Ivanka Trump served as a senior advisor in his administration, and Donald Jr. and Eric have continued to manage The Trump Organization.
Business Ventures Post-Presidency
After leaving office, Trump returned to his business endeavors. The Trump Organization continued to operate its portfolio of real estate properties, hotels, and golf courses. Trump also launched new ventures, including a social media platform called TRUTH Social, aimed at providing an alternative to mainstream social media sites.
Trump’s brand and business operations have faced various legal challenges and investigations. These include probes into his business practices, tax filings, and the valuation of his assets. Despite these challenges, Trump remains a significant figure in the business world.
Media Presence
Trump has maintained a strong media presence since leaving office. He continues to be a frequent commentator on political issues and uses his platform to communicate directly with his supporters. His influence in the media extends to television appearances, interviews, and the publication of books.
In addition to his own media ventures, Trump’s post-presidency has seen numerous biographies and analyses of his life and presidency. These works explore his impact on American politics, his leadership style, and his legacy.
Influence on the Republican Party
Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party has been profound and lasting. During his presidency and afterward, he reshaped the party’s priorities and rhetoric, emphasizing nationalism, populism, and a combative stance against what he termed the “deep state” and mainstream media.
Trump’s endorsements in Republican primaries have proven to be highly influential, with many candidates seeking his approval to boost their chances of winning. His ability to mobilize the party’s base has kept him at the center of Republican politics, even as some party members seek to distance themselves from his more controversial positions.
The “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, characterized by its populist and nationalist stances, remains a powerful force within the party. Trump’s rallies continue to draw large crowds, and his influence over the party’s direction and future candidates is significant.
Legal Issues and Investigations
Trump’s post-presidency has been marked by various legal challenges and investigations. These include ongoing inquiries into his business practices, allegations of financial improprieties, and lawsuits related to his actions while in office. Notably, the New York Attorney General’s office and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office have been investigating the Trump Organization for potential financial crimes.
In addition to these investigations, Trump has faced lawsuits related to his alleged involvement in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot. These legal battles have kept him in the headlines and continue to shape public perceptions of his legacy.
Potential 2024 Presidential Run
Speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run by Donald Trump has been a topic of considerable interest and debate. Trump himself has hinted at the possibility on multiple occasions, keeping his supporters and the political world guessing about his intentions.
A potential 2024 run would likely be a major event in American politics, given Trump’s continued influence and the polarization of the electorate. His candidacy would undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the Republican primary and the general election, drawing significant media attention and public interest.
Philanthropy and Public Engagement
Despite his controversial public persona, Donald Trump has also been involved in various philanthropic activities over the years. The Trump Foundation, established in 1988, was involved in charitable giving, though it was later dissolved in 2018 amid allegations of misuse of funds.
Trump has also been a frequent speaker at conservative events and forums, continuing to advocate for his policy positions and vision for America. His speeches and public appearances draw significant attention and often set the agenda for political discourse within conservative circles.
Cultural Impact and Public Perception
Donald Trump’s cultural impact extends beyond politics and business. He has become a polarizing figure, with strong opinions held by both his supporters and detractors. His use of social media, particularly Twitter, revolutionized political communication and set new precedents for how public figures interact with the public.
Trump’s style, characterized by directness and often combative rhetoric, has left a lasting imprint on American political culture. His presidency and subsequent influence have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and academic studies, exploring his impact on democracy, governance, and society.