Overview Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He won the 2024 presidential election and is set to be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, 2025, making him the first president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland.
Early Life and Education Donald Trump was born in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. He is the fourth of five children. Trump attended the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, Queens, before transferring to the New York Military Academy at age 13. He later attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Business Career After graduating from college, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. He expanded the company’s operations from residential sales in Brooklyn and Queens to large-scale real estate projects in Manhattan. Trump’s notable projects include the development of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Trump Tower, and several other high-profile buildings in New York City.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Trump expanded his business empire to include casinos, hotels, and golf courses. He also ventured into the entertainment industry, producing and hosting the reality television show “The Apprentice” from 2004 to 2015. Despite several business bankruptcies, Trump maintained a high public profile and continued to pursue various business ventures.
Political Career Trump’s political career began with his 2016 presidential campaign, during which he ran as the Republican nominee. He won the election against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and was inaugurated as the 45th president on January 20, 2017. During his first term, Trump implemented several key policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on immigration control. He also appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.
Trump’s presidency was marked by controversy, including two impeachment trials. The first impeachment in 2019 was for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine. The second impeachment in 2021 was for incitement of insurrection following the January 6 Capitol riot. He was acquitted by the Senate in both cases.
2024 Presidential Election After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump remained active in politics and announced his candidacy for the 2024 election. He won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the general election. Trump’s victory marked a historic return to the White House, making him the first president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland.
Policies and Positions Trump’s policies and positions have been characterized by a focus on nationalism, economic protectionism, and a strong stance on immigration. During his first term, he implemented a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, expanded the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and enacted a family separation policy for undocumented immigrants. He also initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from international agreements on climate, trade, and the nuclear program of Iran.
In his second term, Trump has promised to continue his focus on immigration control, economic growth, and deregulation. He has also pledged to address issues such as inflation, tax reform, and national security.
Personal Life Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Trump (née Zelnickova) in 1977, with whom he has three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. The couple divorced in 1992. Trump married Marla Maples in 1993, and they have one daughter, Tiffany. They divorced in 1999. In 2005, Trump married Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model, and they have one son, Barron.
Media and Public Image Trump has maintained a high public profile throughout his career, both as a businessman and a politician. He has been a frequent subject of media coverage and has used social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to communicate directly with the public. His use of social media has been both praised and criticized, with some arguing that it allows him to bypass traditional media channels and others claiming that it contributes to the spread of misinformation.
Controversies and Legal Issues Trump’s career has been marked by numerous controversies and legal issues. In addition to his two impeachment trials, he has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, conflicts of interest, and financial improprieties. He has also been involved in several high-profile lawsuits, including cases related to his business practices and personal conduct.
Legacy Trump’s presidency has had a significant impact on American politics and society. His supporters praise him for his economic policies, judicial appointments, and efforts to secure the U.S. border. Critics argue that his presidency has deepened political divisions, undermined democratic institutions, and eroded trust in the media and government.
As Trump prepares to begin his second term, his legacy remains a topic of intense debate. His influence on the Republican Party and American politics is likely to be felt for years to come.
