Donald Trump: From Business Tycoon to the 47th President of the United States

Donald J Trump is the 47th President of the United States. He has earlier served as the 45th President of the US from 2016 to 2020.Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, to Fred and Mary Trump. His father was a successful real estate developer, and his mother was a homemaker of Scottish origin. Trump attended the Kew-Forest School in Queens before transferring to the New York Military Academy at 13. After high school, he studied at Fordham University but transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics. Growing up in a wealthy, ambitious family, Trump’s early life laid the foundation for his business ventures.Trump started his career working for his father’s real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which focused on rental housing in New York City. In the 1970s, he took over and rebranded the company as The Trump Organisation. He gained recognition for transforming the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt and building Trump Tower in Manhattan. Over the years, Trump expanded into casinos, golf courses, and entertainment. His hit TV show, The Apprentice, further elevated his profile. Known for bold marketing, he leveraged his name as a brand in various sectors, including luxury goods, real estate, and media.Donald Trump built a vast business empire, with holdings in real estate, hospitality, and branding. His properties include Trump Tower, luxury hotels, golf courses, and resorts across the globe. Beyond real estate, he ventured into entertainment with The Apprentice and owned beauty pageants like Miss Universe. Despite several high-profile bankruptcies, his name became a crucial brand, licensed for various products. Trump’s net worth is estimated at around $6 billion according to Forbes data. His investments and branding deals make him one of the most recognised entrepreneurs in the world.Trump has been married three times. His first wife, Ivana Trump, was a businesswoman and former model. They had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. After divorcing Ivana, he married actress Marla Maples, with whom he has a daughter, Tiffany. His third and current wife, Melania Trump, is a former Slovenian model. They have one son, Barron. Trump’s children play active roles in his business and political ventures, with Ivanka and Jared Kushner serving as advisers during his presidency.Donald Trump Political careerTrump announced his political ambitions in 2015, running for the 2016 US presidential election as a Republican. His campaign slogan, 'Make America Great Again,' resonated with many, leading to his victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. As president, he focused on tax reforms, immigration policies, and renegotiating trade deals. His administration also prioritised conservative judicial appointments. In 2020, Trump sought re-election but was defeated by Joe Biden. However, in 2024, Trump made a political comeback, winning a second term by defeating former Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, regaining Republican control of one of the world's strongest superpowers.Trump’s career has been marked by controversies and legal battles. He has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, criticism over his handling of racial tensions, and accusations of inciting the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. His business dealings, including several bankruptcies and lawsuits against the Trump Organisation, have also drawn significant scrutiny. Trump was impeached twice once over his Ukraine dealings in 2019 and again for incitement of insurrection in 2021 but was acquitted both times.One of the most notable legal cases involved accusations of hush money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump allegedly authorised payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to silence claims of extramarital affairs. The payments sparked a federal investigation, leading to the indictment of his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who claimed he acted on Trump’s orders.