Donald Trump Biography
Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Frederick C. and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. He was the fourth of five children. His father was a prominent real estate developer, and his mother was a homemaker. Trump attended the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, Queens, before transferring to the New York Military Academy at age 13. He graduated from the academy in 1964 and went on to attend Fordham University. After two years, he transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.
Business Career
Early Ventures
After graduating from Wharton, Trump joined his father's real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In 1971, he was given control of the company, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. His early ventures included the renovation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt New York and the construction of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.
Expansion and Branding
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Trump expanded his business empire into various sectors, including casinos, hotels, and golf courses. He also became a prominent figure in the media, authoring several books, including "The Art of the Deal," and starring in the reality television show "The Apprentice." His business ventures were often marked by high-profile successes and failures, including multiple bankruptcies of his casino holdings in Atlantic City.
Political Career
Early Political Activities
Trump's political involvement began in the 1980s, when he made occasional comments on political issues and donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates. He considered running for president in 2000 as a candidate for the Reform Party but ultimately decided against it.
2016 Presidential Campaign
In June 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for the President of the United States as a Republican. His campaign was marked by controversial statements and policies, including a proposed ban on Muslims entering the United States and the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite initial skepticism, Trump won the Republican nomination and went on to defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the general election, securing 304 electoral votes to Clinton's 227.
Presidency (2017-2021)
Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was characterized by significant policy changes, including tax reform, deregulation, and a focus on "America First" policies. He appointed three justices to the Supreme Court of the United States, significantly shifting its ideological balance.
Domestic Policy
Trump's domestic policy initiatives included the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced corporate and individual tax rates. He also focused on deregulation, rolling back numerous environmental and business regulations. His administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was a major aspect of his presidency, with actions including the establishment of Operation Warp Speed to accelerate vaccine development.
Foreign Policy
Trump's foreign policy was marked by a departure from traditional U.S. alliances and a focus on bilateral agreements. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Iran nuclear deal. His administration negotiated new trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA.
Impeachments
Trump was impeached twice by the United States House of Representatives. The first impeachment, in December 2019, was related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress concerning his interactions with Ukraine. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The second impeachment, in January 2021, was for "incitement of insurrection" following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2021.
Post-Presidency
After leaving office, Trump continued to be an influential figure in the Republican Party. He faced numerous legal challenges, including investigations into his business practices and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. In 2021, he launched a new social media platform, Truth Social, as an alternative to mainstream social media sites.
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Zelníčková, a Czech model, in 1977. They had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. The couple divorced in 1992. He married actress Marla Maples in 1993, and they had one daughter, Tiffany, before divorcing in 1999. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model, and they have one son, Barron.