Donald John Trump (born 1946) is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. In a historic comeback, he was elected again in 2024, becoming the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland. His return to the presidency is expected to significantly impact American democracy, global markets, and U.S. alliances.
Early Life and Family
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City. He grew up in a big family with four siblings. His father, Fred Trump, was a wealthy real estate developer who built houses and apartments in New York. From a young age, Donald learned about business from his father, and he knew he wanted to be successful.
Donald wasn’t always an easy kid. His parents sent him to a military academy when he was 13 because they thought he needed more discipline.
At the academy, Donald learned to work hard and be competitive. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life.
After high school, Donald went to Fordham University in New York, but after two years, he transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Wharton is one of the best business schools in the United States. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics.
Building the Trump Empire
After college, Donald joined his father’s real estate business. He helped expand the company and worked on bigger projects, especially in Manhattan, the heart of New York City. In the 1980s, Donald became famous for building skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and casinos. Some of his most well-known projects include Trump Tower, a shiny skyscraper on Fifth Avenue, and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Donald loved to put his name on his buildings, making “Trump” a famous brand.
The Celebrity Businessman
Donald wasn’t just a businessman; he was also a celebrity. In 2004, he started a reality TV show called The Apprentice. In the show, contestants competed to work for him, and he became known for saying, “You’re fired!” The show was very popular and made Donald even more famous.
Financial Challenges
But Donald Trump’s life wasn’t always easy. He had financial problems in the 1990s when some of his businesses failed. However, he always found a way to bounce back. He was known for his confidence and his ability to make deals.
Running for President
In 2015, Donald decided to run for president of the United States. Many people were surprised because he had never been a politician before. He ran as a Republican and promised to “Make America Great Again,” which became his famous slogan. Donald’s campaign was controversial. Some people loved his ideas, but others didn’t agree with him. He talked a lot about immigration, trade, and putting America first.
Winning the Presidency (2016)
In 2016, Donald Trump won the presidential election, defeating Hillary Clinton. He became the 45th president of the United States. During his time as president, Donald focused on lowering taxes, creating jobs, and changing trade deals. He also appointed three Supreme Court justices, which is a big deal in American politics.
Life in the White House
Donald’s presidency was very eventful. He was known for using Twitter to share his thoughts directly with the public. He had strong opinions and often argued with reporters and political opponents. Some people admired his straightforward style, while others thought it was too aggressive.
The 2020 Election and Loss
In 2020, Donald Trump ran for re-election against Joe Biden. The campaign was highly competitive and took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which became a central issue. Donald’s administration faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, although his supporters praised efforts like Operation Warp Speed, which helped develop vaccines quickly. Despite his energetic rallies and large base of supporters, Donald lost the election. Joe Biden won with 306 electoral votes compared to Trump’s 232.
After the election, Donald challenged the results, claiming there had been widespread voter fraud. These claims were debated and investigated but were ultimately dismissed by courts and officials across the country. The events following the election, including the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, made headlines worldwide. Donald was impeached for the second time in his presidency, accused of inciting the riot, but was later acquitted by the Senate. This period was one of the most controversial in his political career and left a lasting impact on American politics.
The 2024 Election Victory
In 2024, Donald Trump made a political comeback by winning the presidential election. His victory marked a significant moment in American politics, as he became one of the few presidents in history to serve non-consecutive terms. His campaign focused on themes like national security, economic revival, and addressing voter concerns about inflation and immigration. Trump’s win was both celebrated by his supporters and debated by his critics, showcasing the ongoing division in American politics.
Attempted Assassination and Injury
During his 2024 campaign, there was a shocking attempted assassination on Donald Trump. At a rally, a man managed to get close enough to fire a weapon. The bullet grazed Trump’s ear, causing a minor injury. Despite the chaos, Trump remained calm and was treated immediately. He later returned to the stage and continued his speech, emphasizing resilience and strength. This event highlighted the dangers faced by public figures and added to Trump’s reputation as a fighter who doesn’t back down easily.
Interesting Facts About Donald Trump
- Donald Trump’s nickname as a child was “Donnie.”
- He has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Trump Tower has an entire floor made of pink marble.
- He appeared in the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York as himself.
- Donald is the first U.S. president to have never served in the military or held political office before becoming president.
- He is one of the few presidents in U.S. history to win non-consecutive terms.
- Despite being known for his wealth, Donald doesn’t drink alcohol and has never smoked.
- He owns multiple golf courses around the world and is passionate about the sport.
Legacy and Impact
Donald Trump is a person who inspires both admiration and criticism. He is known for his bold personality, his business skills, and his impact on American politics. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s clear that he has left a big mark on history.
