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Donald Trump is a prominent American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected as the 47th president in 2024. Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, Trump began his career in real estate, taking over his family’s business and establishing a brand synonymous with luxury and opulence. He gained fame as the host of the reality television series The Apprentice, which not only enhanced his public persona but also set the stage for his unexpected political ascent, leveraging media and social platforms to cultivate a dedicated following among voters disenchanted with the political establishment.

Trump’s political career began with his candidacy for president in 2015, where he emerged as a leading figure in the Republican Party. His campaign was marked by controversial rhetoric and policies, including immigration reform and economic nationalism, encapsulated in his slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Despite facing significant opposition and criticism, he won the 2016 presidential election against Hillary Clinton, albeit losing the popular vote. His presidency was characterized by divisive policies, high-profile appointments, and numerous investigations into his administration’s conduct, culminating in an impeachment trial in 2019.

After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to assert his influence over the Republican Party, promoting baseless claims of election fraud that intensified partisan divisions and led to significant unrest, including the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. His return to the political arena was solidified with his announcement for the 2024 presidential race, where he aimed to capitalize on his established base of support, even as many within his party expressed opposition to his candidacy and raised concerns about the implications of his leadership style and rhetoric on American democracy.

Trump’s legacy remains contentious, marked by both fervent support and vocal criticism. His presidency fundamentally altered the landscape of American politics, introducing populist themes and a combative approach to governance that reshaped the Republican Party’s identity and approach to policy. The ongoing debates surrounding his policies, the implications of his communications style, and the societal changes catalyzed during his administration continue to influence contemporary political discourse and public opinion in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, to Fred Trump, a prominent real estate developer, and Mary Trump, a homemaker and Scottish immigrant. He was the second youngest of five children. Trump began his education at a private school in Queens before enrolling in the New York Military Academy at the age of 13. The academy was known for its structured and disciplined environment, which played a key role in his academic and personal development.

After completing his high school education, Trump attended Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, where he spent two formative years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in May 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey. During the Vietnam War, Trump received four student deferments and one medical deferment, allowing him to avoid military service. His educational experiences, particularly at Wharton, laid the groundwork for his future career in real estate development, following in his father’s footsteps and later expanding into various fields, including business, media, and politics.

Career in Real Estate

Donald Trump began his career in real estate in the 1970s, taking over his father’s business and transforming it into a global brand known for luxury and opulence. His early ventures included the renovation of the historic Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980, marking the beginning of his significant influence on the New York City skyline. Over the decades, Trump expanded his portfolio to include a diverse range of properties, from hotels and casinos to golf courses and residential buildings.

Key Developments

• Trump Tower: In 1983, Trump completed the development of Trump Tower, a 58-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The project involved complex negotiations for land and air rights, showcasing Trump’s negotiation skills. The tower houses both luxury condominiums and the headquarters of the Trump Organization, becoming a notable tourist attraction and a symbol of Trump’s brand.
• Casino Ventures: Trump also ventured into the casino industry, opening Harrah’s at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City in 1984 and later acquiring the partially completed Trump Castle. However, these ventures faced challenges, leading to multiple bankruptcies of his casino businesses between 1991 and 2009. Despite these setbacks, Trump continued to leverage bankruptcy laws to his advantage, allowing his businesses to reorganize while remaining operational.

Expansion and Legacy

By the 1990s, as his father’s health declined, Trump intensified efforts to transfer wealth to his children, circumventing estate taxes effectively. Upon Fred Trump’s death in 1999, Donald and his siblings inherited their father’s real estate holdings, which they sold in 2004 for $700 million, solidifying the family’s legacy in real estate. Trump’s real estate portfolio, including properties like Mar-a-Lago and various golf courses, contributed significantly to his wealth, with reported revenues of approximately $382 million from golf and resort operations in 2015.

Current Real Estate Ventures

Today, Trump’s real estate empire includes a wide array of properties, such as hotels, residential buildings, golf courses, and commercial spaces. While he is not the largest property owner in New York City, his brand remains influential, and he continues to seek innovative investment avenues within the real estate sector.

Transition to Television

Donald Trump’s transition from real estate mogul to television personality began with the launch of the reality TV show The Apprentice in 2004. As the host and executive producer, Trump portrayed a highly fictionalized version of himself as a successful chief executive who evaluated contestants competing for a lucrative one-year contract as a Trump employee. The show’s catchphrase, “You’re fired!”, became widely recognized, helping to solidify Trump’s image as a savvy businessman and self-made billionaire.

Over 16 years, The Apprentice and its subsequent iteration, The Celebrity Apprentice, generated nearly $200 million for Trump, and he earned over $400 million through related licensing agreements and merchandise. The show’s immense popularity reshaped Trump’s image and played a pivotal role in his emergence as a political figure, appealing to a demographic that valued his assertive business style.

Trump’s involvement in television did not stop with reality shows; he also gained notoriety for his ownership of various beauty pageants, including the Miss Universe and Miss USA competitions, until 2015. These ventures expanded his influence in the entertainment industry and contributed to the development of his brand as a media-savvy personality. The rise of social media during his time on television transformed the political landscape, particularly evident in the 2016 election cycle, where Trump effectively utilized platforms like Twitter to communicate directly with supporters and shape public discourse.

Political Career

Donald Trump’s political career began in earnest when he announced his candidacy for the presidency in June 2015. Initially considered an outsider, he rapidly gained traction among Republican voters who were disenchanted with the political establishment. His campaign was marked by a promise to “Make America Great Again,” appealing to those who felt left behind by globalization and economic shifts.

In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Trump capitalized on the desire for change, particularly as many Americans were disillusioned with the incumbent Democratic administration. Despite an initially crowded Republican field, Trump emerged as the party’s nominee, defeating 16 other candidates. He ultimately won the 2016 presidential election, becoming the 45th president of the United States, despite losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton.

Trump’s presidency was characterized by a series of contentious policies and actions, including significant tax cuts, deregulation efforts, and a controversial immigration policy that included proposals to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. His administration faced significant challenges, including a polarized political climate and multiple investigations into his campaign’s ties with foreign entities.

After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump remained an active figure in Republican politics, frequently asserting claims of electoral fraud that were widely debunked. In November 2022, he announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, positioning himself as the presumptive nominee after a strong showing in the Iowa Republican caucuses.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Donald Trump established the “Office of the Former President” in Florida, where he continues to engage in political activities and maintain a public profile. He has been known to assert his influence over the Republican Party, frequently commenting on the political landscape and potential candidates for future elections. Many prominent Republican figures have publicly opposed or declined to support Trump’s return to the presidency, leading to a divided Republican base.

Trump’s post-presidency period has been characterized by his controversial statements, some of which have led to comparisons with dictatorial behavior. His ongoing legal challenges and investigations into his business practices and conduct during his presidency have become focal points of national discourse.

Personal Life

Donald Trump’s personal life has been characterized by high-profile marriages and a strong presence in the media. He has been married three times: first to Czech model Ivana Zelníčková, then to actress Marla Maples, and finally to Slovenian model Melania Knauss, with whom he has one son, Barron.

Trump also established the Donald J. Trump Foundation in 1988 as a private charity, though he ceased personal donations after 2008. The foundation primarily funded health- and sports-related charities, as well as conservative groups and initiatives associated with Trump properties.

Legacy and Impact

Donald Trump’s presidency has left a complex and evolving legacy that continues to shape the political landscape of the United States. He significantly influenced the Republican Party, exacerbating ideological rifts within its ranks. His policies have had far-reaching consequences for American society, many of which were enacted through executive authority, while his rhetoric has fundamentally altered the way politics is discussed in the United States.

The Trump presidency catalyzed significant societal shifts, including changes in public attitudes toward race, governance, and authority. The political climate became more polarized, with public protests and civil unrest reflecting broader societal tensions. Trump’s influence is expected to persist in the coming years, particularly as he remains a central figure in American politics.