Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, and is a prominent figure in American business, media, and politics. He held office as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Known for his bold, often controversial rhetoric and unconventional approach to politics, Trump has been a significant figure in both American business and global politics.
Before his presidency, he built a real estate empire and became a household name through his television show, “The Apprentice.” Trump’s tenure as President was characterized by significant policy shifts, including tax reforms, deregulation, and a focus on “America First” policies, as well as his polarizing communication style and handling of domestic and international affairs.
Quick Overview
| Full Name | Donald John Trump |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York, USA |
| Parents | Fred Trump (father), Mary Trump (mother) |
| Education | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (BS in Economics) |
| Business Career | Real Estate Developer, Media Personality |
| Television Career | Host of “The Apprentice” (2004-2015) |
| Political Career | 45th President of the United States (2017-2021) |
| Political Party | Republican Party |
| Spouses | Ivana Trump (m. 1977-1992), Marla Maples (m. 1993-1999), Melania Trump (m. 2005-present) |
| Children | Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, Barron |
| Key Achievements | 2016 Presidential Election Victory, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017), Criminal Justice Reform (First Step Act) |
| Controversies | Impeachments (2019, 2021), Handling of COVID-19, 2020 Election Disputes |
Early Life and Education
Donald Trump was born into a prosperous family, the fourth of five children to Fred and Mary Trump. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer in New York City, and Donald grew up in a world of privilege. He attended the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school. He later transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in economics in 1968.
Business Career
After graduating from Wharton, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, the Trump Organization. He quickly made a name for himself by developing high-profile real estate projects in Manhattan, including Trump Tower, a luxury skyscraper on Fifth Avenue. His business ventures expanded into casinos, golf courses, hotels, and licensing deals. Despite several bankruptcies in his casino businesses, Trump maintained his status as a celebrity entrepreneur, leveraging his brand into lucrative deals.
In 2004, Trump became a television personality with the debut of “The Apprentice,” a reality TV show in which contestants competed for jobs within his organization. The show was a hit and solidified his image as a decisive, no-nonsense businessman. His catchphrase, “You’re fired,” became iconic.
Political Rise
Trump had flirted with political ambitions for decades, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he formally announced his candidacy for the presidency. Running as a Republican, Trump’s campaign was marked by his populist message, promising to “Make America Great Again.” He tapped into voter discontent with the political establishment and used social media, particularly Twitter, to communicate directly with the public.
Despite being a political outsider with no prior experience in elected office, Trump won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. His victory shocked political analysts and his appeal among working-class voters in key swing states.
Presidency (2017-2021)
His unconventional style and polarizing policies defined Trump’s presidency. Domestically, he focused on tax reform, deregulation, and appointing conservative judges to the federal judiciary, including three Supreme Court justices. During his administration, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in 2017, a significant overhaul of the tax code that lowered corporate taxes and provided tax relief for individuals.
Trump emphasized an “America First” policy on the international stage, withdrawing the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. He also engaged in high-profile diplomacy with North Korea, though efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula were unsuccessful.
Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic became a significant issue during his presidency. Critics accused him of downplaying the virus’s severity and mishandling the federal response, while supporters praised his efforts to expedite vaccine development through Operation Warp Speed.
Impeachments and Controversies
Trump was the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice. The first impeachment in 2019 was based on allegations that he pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, his political rival. The second impeachment came in 2021 after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters, which was an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The Senate acquitted Trump in both instances.
Throughout his presidency, Trump remained a divisive figure. His use of social media, especially Twitter, was unprecedented for a sitting president and frequently stirred controversy. His claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden, led to legal challenges and unrest, culminating in the Capitol riot.
Post-Presidency and Legacy
After leaving office, Trump remained a powerful figure within the Republican Party. He continued to promote his “America First” agenda and hinted at a potential run for President in 2024. His post-presidency period has been characterized by ongoing legal battles, including investigations into his business actions and involvement in the January 6 insurrection.
Trump’s legacy is complex and highly debated. Supporters view him as a transformative president who challenged the status quo and prioritized America’s interests. Critics see him as a divisive leader whose rhetoric and actions undermined democratic institutions.
Personal Life
Donald Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Trump, a Czech model and businesswoman, with whom he has three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. After their divorce in 1992, he married actress Marla Maples, with whom he has a daughter, Tiffany. His third marriage, to Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model, in 2005, produced his youngest son, Barron.
Trump’s family has been deeply involved in his business and political endeavors. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, had served as senior advisors during his presidency, and Donald Jr. and Eric have taken prominent roles in the Trump Organization.
