Biography of Donald Trump
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City. He is the fourth of five children born to Frederick C. and Mary MacLeod Trump. His father was a successful real estate developer, which influenced Trump’s career trajectory. He attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.
Early Career
After graduating, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, E. Trump & Son, where he focused on residential real estate in Brooklyn and Queens. In 1971, he took control of the company, renaming it The Trump Organization. He expanded the business into Manhattan, where he became known for ambitious real estate developments, including Trump Tower, which opened in 1983.
Trump’s success in real estate earned him a reputation as a savvy businessman and a media personality. He expanded his brand through various ventures, including casinos, hotels, and golf courses. His flamboyant lifestyle and larger-than-life persona made him a staple in popular culture.
Television Career
In 2004, Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality television show “The Apprentice,” where contestants competed for a job in his organization. The show was a ratings success and further solidified Trump’s status as a celebrity businessman. His catchphrase, “You’re fired!” became iconic, and he leveraged this fame into a political career.
Political Career
Trump announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election on June 16, 2015. Running as a Republican, he campaigned on a platform that included immigration reform, economic nationalism, and an “America First” approach to foreign policy. His unconventional style, direct communication, and ability to engage with voters through social media set him apart from traditional politicians.
Despite skepticism from political analysts, Trump secured the Republican nomination and won the presidential election on November 8, 2016, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. His victory was attributed to significant support in key swing states, where he promised to bring jobs back to America and prioritize American interests.
Presidency
Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was marked by several significant events and policies:
- Tax Reform: In December 2017, Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the corporate tax rate and aimed to stimulate economic growth.
- Immigration Policies: He pursued strict immigration policies, including the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico and the controversial travel ban from several predominantly Muslim countries.
- Deregulation: Trump emphasized deregulation, rolling back numerous environmental and business regulations, arguing that it would spur economic growth.
- Judicial Appointments: He appointed three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—shaping the court’s ideological balance for years to come.
- COVID-19 Response: The Trump administration faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in terms of testing and public health messaging.
Trump’s presidency was also marked by frequent controversies and conflicts with the media. He used Twitter as a primary communication tool, often bypassing traditional media outlets. His administration faced multiple investigations, including impeachment by the House of Representatives in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, though he was acquitted by the Senate.
2020 Presidential Election
In the 2020 presidential election, Trump ran for re-election against Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The election was held on November 3, 2020, and was marked by record voter turnout. Biden won the election, receiving 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. Trump refused to concede, alleging widespread voter fraud, although these claims were not substantiated by evidence.
Post-Presidency
After leaving office on January 20, 2021, Trump remained a dominant figure in the Republican Party. He continued to hold rallies and endorse candidates aligned with his agenda. In February 2021, he was acquitted in a second impeachment trial, becoming the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice.
In November 2022, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, aiming to regain the presidency amid ongoing political polarization and challenges facing the country.
Personal Life
Donald Trump has been married three times. His first marriage to Ivana Trump (1977-1992) produced three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. His second marriage to Marla Maples (1993-1999) resulted in one daughter, Tiffany. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, a former model, and they have one son, Barron.