Donald John Trump, the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, was a successful business magnate and television personality before entering politics. With a background in real estate and a net worth in the billions, Trump built and renovated numerous hotels, casinos, and office towers. He also owned beauty pageants and ventured into reality television. Despite facing allegations of sexual misconduct and criticism for his controversial comments, Trump ran for president in 2016 and won against Hillary Clinton. His presidency was marked by controversial decisions and impeachment, but he ultimately lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Donald John Trump
- Age: 77 Years, 77 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Melania Trump (m. 2005), Ivana Trump (m. 1977–1992), Marla Maples (m. 1993–1999)
- Father: Fred Trump
- Mother: Mary Anne
- Siblings: Elizabeth, Fred Jr., Maryanne Trump Barry, Robert S. Trump
- Children: Barron Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Donald Trump
- Height: 6’3″ (190 cm), 6’3″ Males
- Political ideology: Republican
- Ancestry: German American
- Notable Alumni: New York Military Academy
- City: New York City
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- Education: Wharton School Of The University Of Pennsylvania, New York Military Academy
Childhood & Early Life
Donald Trump was born in New York City to Frederick Trump and Mary McLeod. He was one of five children in the family. He attended the Kew Forest School in Forest Hills, New York for his initial schooling. At the age of thirteen, he was sent to the New York Military Academy (NYMA) in Upstate New York. He excelled both academically and socially at NYMA, becoming a star athlete and student leader. He graduated from NYMA in 1964. Trump then attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1968.
Business Career
While still in college, Trump joined his father’s company, ‘Elizabeth Trump and Son’. The company focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Trump became deeply involved in the business and successfully turned a 1200 unit apartment complex in Cincinnati from a 66 percent vacancy rate to 100 percent occupancy within two years. He continued to expand his real estate ventures, buying properties such as the Mar-a-lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and a fleet of Boeing 727 airplanes for Trump air shuttle service. However, poor business decisions in the late 1980s led to financial difficulties and bankruptcy. Trump managed to regain his financial stability and fame in the 1990s, opening the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City and acquiring the Miss Universe Organization. He also became the executive producer and host of the reality show ‘The Apprentice’, which was a huge success.
Political Career
Trump has always harbored political aspirations. He expressed his wish to run for president as a third-party candidate in the 2000 elections. He also considered running for president in the Republican Party in 2004 and 2008, and for governor of New York in 2006. He officially registered as a Republican in 2009 and campaigned for the party. In 2015, he announced his candidacy for president as a Republican. His campaign focused on domestic issues such as illegal immigration, crime, terrorism, and the national debt. Despite facing criticism and controversy, he won the Republican nomination and went on to defeat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 general election, becoming the 45th President of the United States.
Presidential Term
During his presidency, Trump made several controversial decisions. He repealed the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, and approved the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He also implemented tax cuts and saw economic growth during his term. However, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic received criticism, and he was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019. He lost his bid for re-election in the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden.
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times. He was first married to Ivana Zelnickova, with whom he had three children. They divorced in 1992. He then married Marla Maples, with whom he had one child. They divorced in 1999. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, and they have one child together. Trump is known for his confidence and flamboyant personality. He has authored several books and has received awards for his contributions to television and entertainment.