Donald John Trump is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in modern American history. From being a billionaire businessman and reality TV star to serving as the 45th President of the United States, Trump’s journey has been marked by bold decisions, strong opinions, and constant media attention. This biography gives an overview of his life, career, and legacy in around 800 words.
Early Life and Education
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City. He was the fourth of five children born to Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. Donald was sent to the New York Military Academy at age 13 due to behavioral problems, where he performed well academically and socially.
After high school, Trump attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1968, he graduated with a degree in economics. It was during college that he began to take interest in real estate, inspired by his father’s business.
Business Career
After graduation, Trump joined his father’s real estate company, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. In the 1970s and 1980s, he became a prominent figure in New York City real estate, building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, and casinos. Some of his most famous projects include Trump Tower in Manhattan and the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City.
Trump also licensed his name to various products and properties, turning “Trump” into a global brand. His business empire expanded into golf courses, beauty pageants (like Miss Universe), and even bottled water. However, his career was not without failures — several of his companies filed for bankruptcy, especially in the casino industry.
Despite financial ups and downs, Trump managed to maintain a strong public image, largely thanks to his bold personality and media appearances.
Reality TV Fame
In 2004, Trump became a household name through the reality TV show The Apprentice, where he served as the host and executive producer. The show was a hit and helped revive his image as a tough and successful businessman. His catchphrase “You’re fired!” became iconic.
The show ran for 14 seasons and was instrumental in building Trump’s celebrity status nationwide, setting the stage for his unexpected political ambitions.
Entry into Politics
Donald Trump had flirted with politics for years, even hinting at presidential runs in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, it wasn’t until June 2015 that he officially announced his candidacy for President as a Republican.
His campaign focused on issues like immigration, trade, and “draining the swamp” in Washington, D.C. He promised to “Make America Great Again,” a slogan that resonated with many working-class Americans. Despite widespread criticism from the media and political elites, Trump gained a large and loyal base of supporters.
In a shocking upset, Trump defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, winning the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote.
Presidency (2017–2021)
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was marked by both achievements and controversies:
Key policies and actions:
- Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
- Strong stance on immigration, including the travel ban and border wall efforts
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and Iran nuclear deal
- Deregulation efforts in various industries
- Tough trade policies with China
Trump also appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, shaping its conservative majority for years to come.
Controversies:
- His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was heavily criticized
- Accusations of spreading misinformation and promoting conspiracy theories
- Two impeachment trials: the first in 2019 over Ukraine dealings (he was acquitted), and the second in 2021 after the Capitol riot on January 6, where his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol
Despite being impeached twice, Trump was never removed from office and continued to hold significant influence in American politics.
Post-Presidency
After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump refused to concede, claiming the election was “stolen” — a claim rejected by courts and election officials. Nevertheless, he remained a dominant figure in the Republican Party and hinted at a return to politics.
In 2024, Trump ran again for President, aiming to become only the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. He continued to rally support through speeches, social media, and campaign events.
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times and has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. His daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner played key roles in his administration.
He is known for his love of social media, particularly Twitter, which he used extensively during his presidency until he was permanently banned in 2021. He later launched his own platform, Truth Social.
Legacy
Donald Trump’s legacy remains deeply divisive. Supporters praise his economic policies, conservative court appointments, and “America First” agenda. Critics argue that he weakened democratic institutions, promoted division, and eroded trust in the electoral process.
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump has left a lasting mark on U.S. politics, media, and culture — and his story is far from over.
