Donald Trump | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 20, 2024

Who is Donald Trump?

Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is a prominent entrepreneur and politician who became the 45th president of the United States. With a background in real estate, Trump took over his father's business and transformed it into a global luxury brand under The Trump Organization. He gained fame as a best-selling author with his 1987 book "The Art of the Deal" and as a reality television star on "The Apprentice." Trump’s political career took a historic turn when he defied expectations, winning the presidency in 2016, and he is set to serve as the 47th president after winning reelection in 2024.

Trump's approach to politics has been characterized by a populist and conservative agenda, focusing on issues such as immigration, trade, and national security. His leadership style has sparked significant debate and controversy, especially regarding his positions on climate change and healthcare. Throughout his political journey, Trump has faced various challenges, including two impeachment trials and numerous legal battles, including ongoing criminal indictments. Despite these controversies, Trump remains a central figure in American politics, reshaping the Republican Party and influencing the broader political landscape with his distinctive brand of populism.

Early Life and Education

Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, as the fourth of five children to Fred and Mary Trump. His father, a successful real estate developer, instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Growing up in a wealthy family, Donald was surrounded by privilege, yet his parents maintained strict discipline. His mother, Mary, played a significant role in shaping his religious values; Trump was raised Presbyterian and later attended several Protestant churches. He often described himself as assertive and a "bit of a troublemaker," traits that led his parents to enroll him in the New York Military Academy at age 13 to help channel his energy positively.

Trump excelled at the New York Military Academy, becoming a star athlete and student leader, which prepared him for future endeavors. He later attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Graduating with a degree in economics in 1968, Trump began working in his father's real estate business during the summers. His education equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the business world, setting the stage for his transformation into a prominent real estate mogul and, eventually, a political figure.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Author

Donald Trump’s entrepreneurial journey began when he took over his father's real estate business, transforming it into the globally recognized Trump Organization. Renaming the company in 1973, he expanded its focus beyond middle-income housing in Queens to luxury real estate and various high-profile developments, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. By the 1980s, Trump was a household name, known for his ambitious projects that blended luxury retail and residential spaces. His ventures often involved high-stakes negotiations and bold branding, aligning his name with numerous commercial properties, golf courses, and hotels worldwide, significantly shaping the landscape of American real estate.

In addition to his success in real estate, Trump carved out a notable presence as an author. His first book, "The Art of the Deal," published in 1987, became a bestseller, selling over a million copies and positioning him as a motivational figure in the business world. The book outlined his business philosophy, negotiating techniques, and life lessons, drawing from his own experiences. Following this success, Trump co-wrote several other books, covering themes of success and wealth-building strategies. His transition to reality television with "The Apprentice" further solidified his status, as he leveraged his charisma and business acumen to become a pop culture figure, reshaping the way entrepreneurship is perceived in modern America.

Political Career: Election Campaigns and Presidency

Donald Trump's political career began in earnest in 2015 when he announced his candidacy for the presidency as a Republican. His campaign focused on themes of nationalism and populism, advocating for a strict immigration policy, renegotiating trade agreements, and restoring American manufacturing. Trump was initially viewed as an outsider and a long-shot contender, but he quickly gained momentum, leveraging his celebrity status and effective use of social media. In a crowded Republican primary, he emerged as the front-runner and eventually clinched the party nomination, a remarkable feat for someone with no prior political experience.

In the general election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Trump continued to rally his base by highlighting issues such as crime and immigration while attacking the political establishment. His unconventional campaign style and direct messaging resonated with many voters in key states, leading him to an unexpected victory in the Electoral College, despite losing the popular vote. Trump's presidency officially began on January 20, 2017, during which he pursued an aggressive agenda that included significant tax reform, deregulation, and the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, solidifying a conservative majority in the court.

Following his term, Trump faced challenges including impeachment and widespread criticism of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he sought reelection but lost to Joe Biden. Undeterred, Trump announced his candidacy for a third presidential run in 2024, positioning himself as a champion of the populist movement. He ultimately clinched the Republican nomination again in July 2024, showcasing his enduring influence over the party and its base, which remains loyal despite controversies surrounding his presidency and subsequent legal challenges.

Lawsuits and Investigations

Donald Trump has been embroiled in numerous lawsuits and investigations throughout his career, both in business and politics. One of his earliest legal challenges arose in 1973 when the federal government accused him and his father of racial discrimination in their rental properties under the Fair Housing Act. The case concluded with a settlement in 1975, although Trump denied any wrongdoing while agreeing to certain measures to improve rent practices. This pattern of legal scrutiny continued as Trump faced multiple lawsuits related to his business ventures, notably surrounding the controversial Trump University, which was ultimately settled for $25 million in 2016, shortly after he was elected president.

In addition to civil litigations, Trump has been the focus of various criminal investigations. The two impeachment proceedings during his presidency highlight significant controversies, specifically regarding alleged abuse of power and incitement of insurrection related to the January 6th Capitol riots. After leaving office, Trump became the first former president to be indicted on criminal charges, facing allegations related to hush money payments and election interference. By the fall of 2024, he had been named in four separate criminal indictments that had garnered extensive media attention, raising questions about his legal vulnerabilities as he pursued another presidential campaign.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Donald Trump has been married three times and is a father to five children. His first marriage was to Ivana Trump, a Czech-American model, in 1977. The couple had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Ivana was actively involved in Trump’s business ventures, serving as a vice president at The Trump Organization. Their highly publicized divorce in 1992 followed allegations of Trump’s infidelity, which ignited a media frenzy.

In 1993, Trump married actress Marla Maples, with whom he had a daughter, Tiffany. Their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1999, yet not before capturing significant media attention. Trump’s most recent marriage is to Melania Trump, a former Slovenian model, whom he wed in 2005. Together, they welcomed their son, Barron, in 2006. Throughout his marriages, Trump has maintained a strong connection with his children, supporting their involvement in the family business and public life.

Net Worth and Earning: Wealth Overview

Donald Trump’s net worth has been a subject of significant public debate over the years, particularly given his background as a businessman and former president. In various disclosures, he valued his businesses at approximately $1.37 billion as documented in his 2017 federal financial disclosure form. However, estimates of Trump's wealth have fluctuated amid a series of bankruptcies and legal challenges. Notably, investigations have revealed that between 1985 and 1994, his businesses incurred substantial losses totaling around $1.17 billion.

Throughout his career, Trump's earnings have stemmed from multiple sources, including real estate investments, licensing deals, and brand endorsements. The Trump Organization, which includes hotels, golf courses, and residential properties, has significantly contributed to his wealth. Additionally, Trump became a prominent author with his best-selling book, "The Art of the Deal," and gained fame as the star of the reality TV show "The Apprentice." Despite these successes, Trump's refusal to publicly release his tax returns has led to ongoing speculation about the accuracy of his financial claims.