Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is a businessman, television personality, and politician who has served two non-consecutive terms as the 45th and 47th president of the United States. His rise from a high-profile real estate developer to the nation’s highest office is marked by his polarizing style, focus on economic nationalism, and “America First” approach to policy.
Early Life and Education
Donald Trump is the fourth of five children born to Frederick C. Trump, a wealthy real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. Raised in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood of Queens, Trump attended the New York Military Academy, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and competitiveness. He briefly attended Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968.
Career in Real Estate and Business
After college, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, the Trump Organization, and soon set his sights on expanding the company’s reach. He gained control of the company in 1971, shifting its focus from middle-income housing in Brooklyn and Queens to high-profile projects in Manhattan. One of his earliest successes was the transformation of the old Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt New York, a project that garnered him public attention and financial success.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Trump developed a reputation for his ambitious and sometimes risky projects, including Trump Tower, casinos in Atlantic City, and various residential buildings, hotels, and golf courses around the world. He also licensed the Trump name to numerous products, enhancing his brand as a symbol of luxury. However, his ventures were not without controversy and setbacks. Trump faced multiple bankruptcies related to his casino properties and endured periods of financial difficulty, but he managed to rebuild his wealth by focusing on branding, licensing deals, and reality television.
Celebrity and “The Apprentice”
In 2004, Trump became a household name with the debut of the reality TV show The Apprentice, where he starred as the host and executive producer. The show featured aspiring entrepreneurs competing for a chance to work for him, and Trump’s catchphrase, “You’re fired,” became iconic. The show’s success revitalized Trump’s public image, casting him as a no-nonsense businessman and expanding his popularity beyond the real estate industry. His role on The Apprenticeplayed a significant part in his eventual political career by establishing him as a cultural figure with a broad public following.
Entry into Politics and Presidential Campaigns
While Trump flirted with political ambitions for years, he officially entered the political arena in June 2015, announcing his candidacy for president as a Republican. His campaign was marked by populist themes, controversial remarks, and a rejection of political correctness, which appealed to many voters who felt disenfranchised by the political establishment. Running on an “America First” platform, he emphasized issues such as border security, trade reform, and economic nationalism.
Trump won the Republican nomination and faced former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Despite numerous controversies and an unconventional campaign style, Trump won an Electoral College victory, becoming the 45th president of the United States in January 2017. His victory marked one of the most significant political upsets in U.S. history.
Presidency (2017–2021)
During his first term, President Trump implemented policies focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and strict immigration control. Notable achievements included the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the corporate tax rate, and the negotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as a replacement for NAFTA. Trump also appointed three justices to the Supreme Court—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—cementing a conservative majority that would impact rulings on issues like abortion and religious freedom.
His foreign policy was marked by a focus on recalibrating trade relationships, particularly with China, and his attempt to negotiate peace efforts with North Korea. However, his administration faced significant challenges, including investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and impeachment proceedings in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine, though he was acquitted by the Senate.
Trump’s term was marked by polarization and controversy, particularly over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his handling of racial justice protests, and the contentious 2020 election. After losing to Democrat Joe Biden, Trump disputed the results, leading to widespread claims of election fraud and culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He was impeached a second time by the House of Representatives, becoming the only president to be impeached twice, though he was acquitted by the Senate both times.
Post-Presidency and 2024 Comeback
After leaving office in January 2021, Trump remained active in politics, continuing to hold rallies and exert influence within the Republican Party. In 2024, he announced his decision to run for president again, focusing on a campaign aimed at “restoring American greatness.” In an unprecedented comeback, Trump won the election, securing a non-consecutive second term as the 47th president, echoing the historical precedent of Grover Cleveland.
Second Term (2025–present)
In his second term, President Trump returned to familiar themes of economic growth, deregulation, border security, and reducing America’s involvement in foreign conflicts. He continued to champion policies aimed at fostering American energy independence, reviving domestic manufacturing, and promoting job growth. His stance on immigration remained firm, with a focus on border security and reforms to curb illegal immigration.
Trump’s second term policies also placed a renewed emphasis on what he calls “patriotic education” in schools, aiming to promote American history and values. On the international stage, he has sought to limit U.S. military involvement abroad and strengthen trade policies that favor American workers, particularly with respect to China and other competitors.
Legacy and Influence
Donald Trump’s legacy is one of the most polarizing in modern U.S. history. Supporters credit him with revitalizing the economy, reasserting American interests globally, and challenging political norms. Critics, however, argue that his rhetoric and policies have deepened divisions within the country and strained relations with long-time allies.
As the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, Trump’s impact on American politics is profound. He has reshaped the Republican Party in his image, establishing a populist movement that continues to wield considerable influence. Trump’s presidency will likely be studied for generations, both for its unconventional style and its reflection of a divided America.