Donald J. Trump – Biography
Full Name: Donald John Trump
Born: June 14, 1946
Birthplace: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
Party Affiliation: Republican (with previous affiliations to Democratic and Reform parties)
Spouse(s): Ivana Trump (div. 1992), Marla Maples (div. 1999), Melania Trump (m. 2005)
Children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, Barron
Education: B.S. in Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1968)
Occupation(s): Businessman, television personality, politician
Career Highlights
Business Career
- Took over his father Fred Trump’s real estate business in the 1970s, renaming it The Trump Organization.
- Built and licensed his name to numerous real estate ventures, including skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses.
- Known for high-profile developments like Trump Tower in NYC and Trump International Hotel properties.
- Faced multiple bankruptcies related to his casino businesses in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Became a public celebrity and brand icon, marketing products from steaks to vodka.
Television Career
- Starred in and produced the reality TV show The Apprentice (2004–2015), where his catchphrase “You’re fired!” became iconic.
- The show significantly boosted his national and international fame.
Political Career
45th President of the United States
- Term: January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021
- Vice President: Mike Pence
- Predecessor: Barack Obama
- Successor: Joe Biden
Key Themes and Actions During Presidency:
- Emphasized an “America First” agenda.
- Signed major tax reform (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017).
- Focused on deregulation, especially in energy and environmental policy.
- Appointed three Supreme Court justices (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett).
- Withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal.
- Instituted strict immigration policies, including the controversial travel ban.
- Managed the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic with mixed reviews.
- Impeached twice by the House of Representatives:
- In 2019, over the Ukraine scandal (acquitted by the Senate in 2020).
- In 2021, for incitement of insurrection after the January 6 Capitol riot (also acquitted).
Post-Presidency
- Continues to be a dominant figure in the Republican Party.
- Declared candidacy for president again in 2024, making him the first former president since Grover Cleveland to run for a non-consecutive second term.
- Faces multiple legal challenges and criminal indictments, including cases related to classified documents, election interference, and the Capitol riot.
Public Image and Legacy
- Highly polarizing figure: admired by supporters for his blunt style, anti-establishment stance, and focus on nationalism; criticized by opponents for divisive rhetoric, handling of crises, and undermining democratic norms.
- Remains a major political and cultural force in the U.S.