Donald John Trump is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th president of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. He was born on June 14, 1946, at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York City.
Early Life and Education
Donald Trump was the fourth of five children born to Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. His father was a prominent real estate developer in New York City. Trump attended the New York Military Academy for high school and later enrolled at Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics.
Business Career
Trump joined his father’s real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. He expanded the company’s holdings by investing in high-profile real estate projects in Manhattan, including the renovation of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the construction of Trump Tower. His business interests expanded to include casinos, golf courses, and various branding deals. Trump also ventured into entertainment, becoming the producer and host of the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” which aired from 2004 to 2015.
Political Career
Trump’s first major foray into politics came with his presidential campaign in 2015. Running as a Republican, he campaigned on a platform that emphasized immigration reform, economic nationalism, and a populist appeal. He won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, securing the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote.
Presidency (2017-2021)
During his presidency, Trump implemented several significant policies and faced numerous controversies:
Domestic Policy: Trump enacted tax cuts through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, sought to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and appointed three Supreme Court justices: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.
Immigration: His administration took a hardline stance on immigration, including the implementation of a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries and the enforcement of family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Foreign Policy: Trump withdrew the United States from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal. He also engaged in high-stakes diplomacy with North Korea and sought to renegotiate trade deals, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Impeachment: The House of Representatives twice impeached Trump. The first impeachment in 2019 was related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress concerning his dealings with Ukraine. The Senate acquitted him. The second impeachment followed the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, with charges of incitement to insurrection. He was again acquitted by the Senate.
Post-Presidency
After leaving office, Trump continued to wield significant influence within the Republican Party. He has remained a polarizing figure, with strong support from his base and ongoing legal challenges and investigations into his business practices and actions during his presidency.
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times and has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. His personal life, including his marriages and business dealings, has been the subject of extensive media coverage.
Legacy
Donald John Trump’s career and leadership have been characterized by controversy, big changes to policy, and a big influence on American politics. Historians, political scientists, and members of the public continue to discuss and analyze his legacy.
