Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in modern American politics. His rise from real estate mogul to reality TV star and ultimately to the White House has been marked by both controversy and success. Here are 10 essential things to know about Donald Trump that help explain his life and career.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York. He was the fourth of five children born to Fred Trump, a prominent real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. Trump’s father was a significant influence in his early life, and the family business helped shape his future endeavors in real estate.
2. Education and Discipline
Trump was not always the well-behaved child his parents had hoped for. At the age of 13, his father sent him to New York Military Academy, hoping that the discipline and structure of military school would help curb his rebellious behavior. This early experience played a crucial role in shaping Trump’s leadership style and public persona.
3. College Years
After completing his time at military school, Trump attended Fordham University before transferring to the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics. Wharton’s business-oriented environment provided him with the education and connections that would prove essential in his future ventures.
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4. Working for His Father
In the years following his graduation, Trump worked for his father’s real estate company, which owned a substantial portfolio of apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Queens. Over the course of five years, Trump gained valuable experience in the business world, which would set the stage for his later real estate empire.
5. Marriage to Ivana Trump
In 1977, Trump married Ivana Zelnickova, a former Olympic skier and model. The couple had three children: Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr. Trump’s marriage to Ivana became one of the most high-profile unions of the era, but they eventually divorced in 1990 amid media scrutiny.
6. The Rise of Trump Tower
One of Trump’s most iconic real estate achievements came in 1984 with the completion of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Standing at 664 feet, the tower includes luxury condominiums, retail spaces, offices, and restaurants, becoming a symbol of Trump’s wealth and business success.
7. Author of Bestselling Books
Trump is not only known for his business ventures but also for his writing. His first book, The Art of the Deal, published in 1987, became an instant bestseller and solidified his image as a successful businessman. Trump has written several other books, including The Art of the Comeback and Think Big and Kick Ass.
8. Marriages and Family Life
Trump’s personal life has been just as headline-grabbing as his professional career. After his divorce from Ivana, Trump married actress Marla Maples in 1993, with whom he had a daughter, Tiffany. The couple divorced in 1999. In 2005, Trump married Slovenian model Melania Knauss, and they have one son, Barron, who was born in 2006.
9. Political Career and Presidency
In June 2015, Trump made his announcement to run for president of the United States. His unconventional campaign and populist rhetoric resonated with millions of Americans, propelling him to victory in the Republican primaries. Despite losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, Trump won the presidency by securing the Electoral College vote. He was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017.
10. Net Worth and Wealth
Trump has long been known for his wealth, and by the time he assumed office, he was the wealthiest U.S. president in history, surpassing even John F. Kennedy. According to Forbes, his net worth was estimated at $3.5 billion in 2017. Throughout his career, Trump’s wealth has been a key part of his public persona, though controversies about his finances have also followed him.
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