Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred and Mary Trump. He attended the New York Military Academy and later transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 1968.
Business Career
Real Estate Development
In 1971, Trump took over his father's real estate company, renaming it the Trump Organization. He expanded the business into Manhattan, developing and renovating numerous properties, including the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Trump Tower.
Other Ventures
Beyond real estate, Trump ventured into various industries, including casinos, airlines, and entertainment. He gained widespread fame as the host of the reality television show "The Apprentice," which aired from 2004 to 2015.
Political Career
2016 Presidential Election
Trump announced his candidacy for president in June 2015 as a Republican. He won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 general election, becoming the 45th president of the United States.
First Term (2017–2021)
During his first term, Trump implemented significant tax reforms, appointed three Supreme Court justices, and pursued an "America First" foreign policy. His administration faced controversies, including investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and two impeachments by the House of Representatives.
2020 Presidential Election and Aftermath
Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden. He challenged the election results, alleging widespread voter fraud, but these claims were dismissed by multiple courts. His refusal to concede culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, leading to his second impeachment.
2024 Presidential Election
In 2024, Trump ran for president again and defeated incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the 47th president and the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms.
Second Term (2025–Present)
In his second term, Trump has pursued aggressive policies, including mass layoffs of federal workers, imposing tariffs on numerous countries, and extensive use of executive orders. His administration's actions have faced legal challenges and have been described as contributing to democratic backsliding.
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times and has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. His family members have been involved in his business and political endeavors.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Trump's career has been marked by numerous legal battles and controversies, including multiple bankruptcies of his businesses, allegations of sexual misconduct, and various civil and criminal investigations. In 2023, he was found liable in civil cases for sexual abuse and defamation, and in 2024, he was convicted of falsifying business records, becoming the first U.S. president convicted of a felony.
Legacy
Trump's presidency has had a profound impact on American politics, reshaping the Republican Party and influencing political discourse. His leadership style and policies have been polarizing, eliciting both strong support and significant opposition.