Donald Trump – Biography
Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod. His father was a prominent real estate developer, while his mother was a Scottish immigrant. Donald was the fourth of five children. At age 13, he was enrolled in the New York Military Academy, where he developed a reputation for leadership and discipline. After graduating, Trump briefly attended Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics. His time at Wharton laid the groundwork for his later ventures in real estate and business, particularly as he absorbed financial strategies and investment principles that would guide his future career.
Business Career
After college, Trump joined his father’s business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which primarily focused on middle-income housing in Brooklyn and Queens. In 1971, he took over the business and renamed it The Trump Organization. Donald expanded into Manhattan with high-profile developments like the Grand Hyatt and Trump Tower. Over the decades, his ventures included casinos in Atlantic City, golf courses, hotels, and brand licensing deals. He also became a household name through the NBC reality show “The Apprentice,” which aired from 2004 to 2015. Though his business record includes multiple bankruptcies and lawsuits, Trump cultivated a public image as a savvy entrepreneur. His name became a global brand, licensed for everything from real estate to merchandise. Despite criticism, he remained a powerful and polarizing figure in the worlds of business and media.
Political Career
Donald Trump’s political ambitions surfaced as early as the 1980s, but he formally announced his candidacy for president in June 2015 as a Republican. Running on a platform of immigration control, economic nationalism, and “America First,” he defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, becoming the 45th president of the United States. His administration focused on tax cuts, deregulation, conservative judicial appointments, and trade renegotiation, particularly NAFTA’s replacement with the USMCA. His presidency was marked by intense media scrutiny, polarizing rhetoric, and two impeachment trials, both of which he survived. Despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump remained a dominant force in Republican politics and announced a comeback campaign in 2022. In a historic twist, he was re-elected in 2024, making him both the 45th and 47th president, and highlighting his lasting impact on American political dynamics and public discourse.
Personal Life
Donald Trump has been married three times and has five children. His first marriage to Ivana Trump produced three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. He later married Marla Maples, with whom he had a daughter, Tiffany. His current wife, Melania Trump, is the mother of his youngest son, Barron. Trump’s family has played an active role in both his business and political careers, particularly Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr., who have held executive positions and campaigned for him. Trump is known for his lavish lifestyle, affinity for luxury properties, and use of social media, particularly Twitter, as a direct communication tool. His personal life has been highly publicized, often controversially, including legal disputes, accusations, and financial scrutiny. Nevertheless, Trump maintains a strong support base, and his persona blends wealth, influence, and populist appeal. He divides his time between his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and his various business and political engagements across the country.
Net Worth
Donald Trump’s net worth has been a topic of much debate and fluctuation. As of 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth to be approximately $5.5 billion, though the figure has varied due to market conditions, asset valuations, and legal matters. His wealth primarily stems from real estate holdings in New York City, including Trump Tower, and a portfolio of golf resorts, hotels, and commercial properties. Additionally, Trump has earned significant income from licensing deals, media appearances, and books. In recent years, his launch of the $Trump cryptocurrency and renewed media ventures have added to his income streams. Trump has long used his net worth as a measure of success, though critics argue that his financial disclosures are opaque. Despite several business bankruptcies, he has managed to maintain substantial assets and continues to exert influence through both wealth and political capital.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s life is marked by extraordinary ambition, controversy, and resilience. From building a real estate empire to starring on reality television and becoming a two-term president, he has consistently defied conventional expectations. His political impact has reshaped the Republican Party and American politics at large. Whether viewed as a disruptive outsider or a transformative leader, Trump remains one of the most influential and polarizing figures in modern U.S. history. His legacy continues to evolve as he shapes domestic and global discourse through politics, media, and business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Donald Trump?
Donald Trump is an American businessman, media personality, and politician who served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
When was Donald Trump born?
He was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City.
What is Donald Trump’s educational background?
He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics in 1968.
What is Donald Trump known for?
He is known for his real estate empire, his television show “The Apprentice,” and his two non-consecutive terms as U.S. president.
How many times has Donald Trump been married?
He has been married three times: to Ivana Trump, Marla Maples, and Melania Trump.
How many children does Donald Trump have?
He has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron.
What is Donald Trump’s political party?
Donald Trump is affiliated with the Republican Party.
What is Donald Trump’s net worth?
As of 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $5.5 billion.
Where does Donald Trump live?
He primarily resides at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
Is Donald Trump still politically active?
Yes, as of 2025, he is serving his second term as president of the United States.