Who Is Donald J. Trump?

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Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York. He grew up in a family with a strong real estate background. His father, Fred Trump, was a real estate developer focused on New York City's residential housing.

From a young age, Donald was known for his ambition. He attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics.

After college, Donald joined his father’s business, expanding it into Manhattan’s real estate market. He developed high-profile properties, such as Trump Tower in New York City.

In 1977, he married Ivana Zelnícková, and they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. His personal life also attracted attention, often being covered by the media.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Trump expanded his business to include hotels and casinos, such as the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. His business career faced challenges, including multiple bankruptcies, but he continued to promote his brand and remained a well-known figure.

In 2004, Trump became the host of the reality TV show The Apprentice, which contributed to his fame. His catchphrase, “You’re fired!” became widely recognized.

In 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president. His campaign was marked by strong statements on various issues, particularly immigration. He ran on a platform of economic nationalism, promising to prioritize U.S. interests.

Trump’s style and background as a businessman and TV personality made his campaign stand out. In 2016, he won the presidential election, defeating Hillary Clinton, and was inaugurated as the 45^TH President of the United States in January 2017.

Watch this 2016 video explaining his background and political stances.

As president, Trump focused on issues like tax cuts, immigration reform, and job creation. He pursued a foreign policy that emphasized "America First,” withdrawing from agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal.

During his presidency, Trump made three appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. His administration was marked by significant public attention, discussions about immigration, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was impeached twice, though he was acquitted both times.

After leaving office in 2021, Trump remained active in politics. He continued to speak at rallies and influence political discussions, with many supporters maintaining loyalty to his political ideas.

Before moving on, create a list of four to six facts you learned about Donald Trump.

Then, head to the Got It? section to add even more fun facts!