Donald John Trump, a name synonymous with wealth, controversy, and political influence, has lived a life full of high-profile achievements and equally significant controversies. From his early days in Queens, New York, to becoming the 45th and now the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s journey is a fascinating tale of ambition, resilience, and reinvention.
Basic Information
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald John Trump |
| Nickname | “The Donald” |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York City, USA |
| Parents | Fred Trump (Real Estate Developer), Mary Anne MacLeod Trump (Homemaker) |
| Siblings | Maryanne Trump Barry, Fred Trump Jr., Elizabeth Trump Grau, Robert Trump |
| Spouse | Melania Trump (married in 2005) |
| Children | Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, Barron |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 243 lbs (110 kg) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2.6 billion (as of 2024) |
| Education | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor’s in Economics) |
| Fame Reasons | Real estate empire, reality TV (The Apprentice), U.S. presidency |
Early Life and Education
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York. He was the fourth of five children in a family deeply rooted in real estate development. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful developer who built middle-income housing in New York City. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was a Scottish immigrant who instilled discipline and ambition in her children.
Trump attended the New York Military Academy during his teenage years to instill discipline. Later, he pursued higher education at Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1968, he graduated with a degree in economics.
Professional Journey: From Real Estate to Reality TV
Real Estate Empire
In 1971, Donald took over his father’s real estate business and renamed it the Trump Organization. He expanded its focus from middle-income housing to luxury hotels, skyscrapers, casinos, and golf courses. Some notable properties include:
- Trump Tower in Manhattan
- Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida
- Numerous luxury hotels and golf courses worldwide
Despite his success in real estate, Trump’s career faced challenges. Several of his ventures filed for bankruptcy during the 1990s due to over-leveraging.
Author and TV Personality
Trump authored several books on business and success; his 1987 book The Art of the Deal became a bestseller. In 2004, he gained widespread fame as the host of The Apprentice, a reality TV show that showcased his business acumen.
Political Career: A Polarizing Figure
Presidential Campaigns
- 2016 Election: Trump shocked the political world by winning against Hillary Clinton despite being a political outsider.
- 2020 Election: Lost to Joe Biden but refused to concede defeat.
- 2024 Election: Made a historic comeback by defeating Kamala Harris to become the 47th President.
Policies and Achievements
During his first term (2017–2021), Trump’s administration focused on:
- Tax reforms through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
- Renegotiating trade deals like NAFTA into USMCA
- Appointing three Supreme Court Justices
- Rolling back environmental regulations
- Launching Operation Warp Speed for COVID-19 vaccine development
However, his presidency was also marked by controversies such as immigration policies (e.g., border wall construction), two impeachments (2019 and 2021), and allegations of inciting the January 6 Capitol riot.
Awards and Recognitions
While Trump’s presidency remains divisive among historians and political analysts, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and politics:
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1986)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for The Apprentice
- Recognition for tax reforms and deregulation efforts during his presidency
Timeline of Key Life Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Born in Queens, New York |
| 1971 | Took over family business and renamed it the Trump Organization |
| 1987 | Published The Art of the Deal |
| 2004 | Launched The Apprentice |
| 2015 | Announced candidacy for U.S. presidency |
| 2016 | Elected as the 45th President |
| 2020 | Lost reelection bid |
| 2024 | Won reelection as the 47th President |
Relationships and Family Life
Donald has been married three times:
- Ivana Trump (1977–1992): Mother of Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.
- Marla Maples (1993–1999): Mother of Tiffany.
- Melania Trump (2005–present): Mother of Barron.
He is known for being close to his children and involving them in his business ventures.
Hobbies and Interests
Trump enjoys golf—owning several golf courses worldwide—and is an avid consumer of cable news. He also has a keen interest in branding and self-promotion.
Did You Know?
- Donald Trump is the only U.S. president to be impeached twice.
- He has a cameo appearance in movies like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
- His favorite fast food is McDonald’s.
- He doesn’t drink alcohol due to his brother Fred Jr.’s struggles with alcoholism.
- Despite controversies, he remains one of America’s most recognized figures globally.
Quotes & Anecdotes
“Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.”
This quote reflects Trump’s resilience throughout his career—whether bouncing back from business failures or political defeats.
References
- Donald J. Trump – The White House
- Donald Trump’s Biography – Biography.com
- How America Changed During Trump’s Presidency – Pew Research
- Controversial Moments from Trump’s Career – CNBC
- Trump Administration Civil Rights Rollbacks
- Donald J. Trump – Wikipedia
- Trump’s Legacy – CNN Politics
- Trump Library Official Site
- Trump’s Early Life & Career – Biography.com
- Donald J. Trump’s Achievements – White House Archives