Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from January 2017 to January 2021. His presidency and public life have been marked by numerous controversies, significant media attention, and political upheavals.
Early Life and Business Career
Trump was born into a wealthy family, the son of Fred Trump, a real estate developer. He attended the New York Military Academy and later studied at Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1968.
{inAds}
Trump joined his father’s real estate business in the 1970s, eventually taking control and renaming it the Trump Organization. He expanded the company’s operations, focusing on the development of luxury hotels, casinos, and high-profile real estate projects. His ownership of several properties, including the Trump Tower in New York City, catapulted him to fame. He also became a reality TV personality through his role as the host of the show "The Apprentice," which significantly boosted his public image.
Entry into Politics
Before running for president, Trump had flirted with political ambitions for years, but he officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 2016 election in June 2015. Running on a platform emphasizing "America First," Trump focused on issues such as immigration reform, trade protectionism, and reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts. His campaign was unconventional, using social media, particularly Twitter, as a key tool to communicate directly with voters.
Despite initially being considered an outsider with little chance of winning, Trump secured the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in a highly contentious election. His victory was marked by a win in the Electoral College, despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
Presidency (2017–2021)
During his presidency, Trump pursued a number of policies that aligned with his campaign promises. He focused on tax cuts, deregulation, renegotiation of trade deals (such as NAFTA, which was replaced with the USMCA), and appointing conservative judges to the federal judiciary, including three Supreme Court Justices. He also attempted to dismantle parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and took a hardline stance on immigration, including the controversial "travel ban" targeting several predominantly Muslim countries and efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
{inAds}
Trump’s presidency was marked by significant turmoil and division. He was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—the first time in 2019 over a phone call with Ukraine’s president, in which he was accused of soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election, and the second in 2021 for his alleged role in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot. He was acquitted by the Senate both times.
Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in 2020, was widely criticized, with opponents accusing him of downplaying the severity of the virus and mishandling the government’s response. His administration, however, did help facilitate the rapid development of vaccines under "Operation Warp Speed."
Post-Presidency
After leaving office, Trump continued to be a central figure in American politics. He refused to concede the 2020 election to his successor, Joe Biden, and promoted claims of widespread voter fraud, which were dismissed by courts and election officials. His post-presidency period has been marked by ongoing legal challenges, including investigations into his business practices and actions taken while in office.
Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains strong, and he has hinted at a potential run for the presidency in 2024.
{inAds}
Trump’s legacy is highly polarized. Supporters praise him for shaking up the political establishment, delivering on conservative judicial appointments, and advocating for U.S. interests on the global stage. Critics, however, argue that his presidency weakened democratic institutions, exacerbated social and political divisions, and eroded international alliances.
In summary, Donald Trump's career, both in business and politics, has been defined by his ability to attract significant attention, whether through his high-profile real estate ventures or his controversial presidency. His influence on American politics remains significant, ensuring that his legacy will continue to be a topic of debate for years to come.
