Donald Trump Biography: Early Life
Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is the 45th and 47th President of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021 and again from 2025 to the present. He is the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.
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Donald Trump Biography: Personal and Family Life
Trump is the fourth of five children of Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who emigrated from Scotland. He has four siblings: Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, and Robert. Trump’s Scottish heritage is significant; his mother was born in Tong, on the Isle of Lewis, and emigrated to the U.S. at age 18.
Trump has been married three times:
Ivana Zelníčková (1977–1992): A former Czechoslovakian ski champion and fashion model. They have three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.
Marla Maples (1993–1999): An actress and television personality. They have one daughter, Tiffany.
Melania Trump (2005–present): A former model from Slovenia. They have one son, Barron.
Trump’s family has played significant roles in his life and political career. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is an executive vice-president and trustee of the Trump Organization. Ivanka Trump previously served as a White House adviser but has distanced herself from politics since 2022. Eric Trump continues to be involved in the family’s real estate business and campaign efforts. Tiffany Trump works in Georgetown Law and is expecting her first child. Barron Trump has begun studying at New York University.
Education
Trump attended the private Kew-Forest School through seventh grade. His father then enrolled him in the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school, to complete secondary school. In 1964, Trump enrolled at Fordham University and later transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in May 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in economics.
Business Career
After completing his education, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. He expanded the company’s operations, focusing on high-profile real estate developments, including hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump also gained fame as the host of the reality television show “The Apprentice,” which further elevated his public profile.
Political Career
Trump entered politics by announcing his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election as a Republican. He won the election and served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021. After a brief hiatus, he ran again in 2024 and was re-elected, becoming the 47th President in January 2025. His presidency has been marked by significant policy changes, including tax reforms, an isolationist foreign policy approach, and attempts to overturn established healthcare and environmental policies.
Political Rise and Presidency (2017–2021)
Trump’s decision to enter politics in 2015 shocked many, as he announced his candidacy for the Republican Party’s nomination in the 2016 U.S. presidential race. His campaign, marked by bold promises to “Make America Great Again,” struck a chord with many Americans who were dissatisfied with the political establishment. His outsider status and unorthodox style helped him secure the Republican nomination, despite facing heavy opposition within the party.
In the general election, Trump faced Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Despite polling data suggesting Clinton would win, Trump prevailed in the Electoral College, securing the presidency in November 2016. His victory was a historic upset, and he was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on January 20, 2017.
During his first term, Trump pursued policies focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and an “America First” foreign policy. His administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement on climate change, renegotiated trade deals like NAFTA (renamed USMCA), and implemented strict immigration policies. He also appointed three Supreme Court justices, cementing a conservative majority in the judiciary.
Trump’s presidency was also marked by significant controversy, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, impeachment proceedings (he was impeached twice by the House of Representatives, though acquitted both times in the Senate), and his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. His rhetoric, particularly on social media, often sparked national debates about the limits of free speech, misinformation, and the divisiveness of American politics.
2024 Presidential Election and Return to Power
After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump refused to concede, claiming widespread voter fraud. His legal challenges to the results were unsuccessful, and Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president on January 20, 2021. Trump’s post-presidency period was characterized by his continued influence over the Republican Party and his ongoing public presence.
Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 election, aiming to return to the White House. His campaign centered around the same themes of economic nationalism, strong border policies, and opposition to the political establishment. Amid various legal challenges and investigations into his business practices, Trump maintained a loyal base of support.
In a surprising turn, he won the 2024 election, becoming the first president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland’s example.
He was inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, 2025, promising to address what he called the “deep state” and reaffirming his commitment to his “America First” agenda.
Assassination Attempts
On July 13, 2024, while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump, survived an assassination attempt. Trump was shot in the upper right ear by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle. The attack killed one person and injured two others before Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents.
On September 15, 2024, Trump survived another assassination attempt while golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was found aiming a rifle at Trump’s security detail before being shot at by a Secret Service agent. Routh fled but was later captured. No injuries were reported. Routh has been indicted on federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, and faces trial in September 2025.
Legal Challenges and Personal Controversies
Throughout his career, Trump has faced numerous legal challenges, both as a businessman and as a politician. These include investigations into his business dealings, personal conduct, and actions during his presidency. The most significant of these include ongoing inquiries related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, as well as his financial dealings and tax returns.
In addition, Trump has been involved in several personal controversies, including his relationship with the media, inflammatory comments about immigrants, and his highly publicized legal battles with former associates.
Achievements
- Time Magazine’s Person of the Year (2016) – Trump was named Person of the Year for his unexpected presidential win.
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – For his work in entertainment, particularly as a reality TV star.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom – Awarded to him after his presidency for his contributions to American politics, though this remains a point of contention in political debates.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation – Under his administration, the U.S. saw significant economic growth, low unemployment, and tax cuts before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Recent Developments
In January 2025, Trump was sentenced without punishment for a felony conviction in 2024, officially becoming the first convicted felon to be elected president.
Throughout his political career, Trump has been a polarizing figure, with supporters praising his economic policies and critics highlighting his controversial statements and actions. His return to the White House in 2025 has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, reflecting the deeply divided political landscape of the United States.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from Wikipedia. All details cannot be independently verified by Daily News 24 or its editorial team.
