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0 Donald John Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is one of the most polarizing figures in modern political history. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Trump has led a fascinating life filled with unexpected twists and turns. In this article, we’ll explore 15 surprising facts about Donald Trump that you may not know, shedding light on the man behind the controversial persona.
1. Trump’s Family History
Immigrant Roots
Contrary to his tough stance on immigration, Trump himself is the grandson of immigrants. His paternal grandfather, Friedrich Trump, emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1885 at the age of 16, while his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, arrived from Scotland in 1930.
Name Change
The Trump family name was originally “Drumpf” or “Drumpft” before it was changed to “Trump” during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century.
2. Education and Early Career
Military Academy
As a teenager, Trump attended the New York Military Academy, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was a star athlete, playing varsity football, soccer, and baseball.
Ivy League
Trump went on to study at Fordham University for two years before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.
3. Business Ventures
Real Estate Empire
Trump followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the real estate business, eventually building a vast empire that includes hotels, casinos, golf courses, and luxury residences around the world. His flagship properties include Trump Tower in New York City and the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Entertainment
In addition to real estate, Trump has been involved in various entertainment ventures. He owned the Miss Universe pageant from 1996 to 2015 and hosted the reality TV show “The Apprentice” from 2004 to 2015.
4. Personal Life
Marriages
Trump has been married three times. His first marriage to Ivana Zelníčková ended in divorce in 1992. He then married Marla Maples in 1993, but they divorced in 1999. In 2005, he married his current wife, Melania Knauss.
Children
Trump has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric from his first marriage; Tiffany from his second marriage; and Barron from his current marriage. His three oldest children have played significant roles in his businesses and political campaigns.
5. Political Career
Presidential Run
After years of flirting with the idea, Trump officially announced his candidacy for president in June 2015. Despite being a political outsider with no prior experience in elected office, he defeated a crowded field of Republican primary candidates to secure the party’s nomination.
2016 Election
In the 2016 general election, Trump faced off against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. In a stunning upset, he won the Electoral College with 304 votes to Clinton’s 227, although Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
6. Presidency
Inauguration
Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017, in a ceremony attended by an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 people.
Controversies
Trump’s presidency was marked by numerous controversies, including the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, impeachment proceedings related to his dealings with Ukraine, and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accomplishments
Despite the controversies, Trump also achieved several significant policy goals during his term, such as the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, and the negotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
7. Post-Presidency
Leaving Office
After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump left office on January 20, 2021. He did not attend Biden’s inauguration, breaking with the tradition of outgoing presidents being present at their successor’s swearing-in ceremony.
Future Plans
Since leaving office, Trump has hinted at a potential run for president in 2024. He continues to be a vocal presence in Republican politics, holding rallies and endorsing candidates in primary elections.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s life and career have been marked by remarkable highs and lows, from his success in the business world to his improbable rise to the presidency and the controversies that defined his time in office. While opinions on Trump remain deeply divided, there is no denying that he has left an indelible mark on American politics and society. As he contemplates his next moves, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this most unconventional of public figures.
FAQs
1. What was Donald Trump’s net worth before becoming president?
Estimates of Trump’s net worth vary widely, but Forbes put it at $3.7 billion as of September 2019, before he took office.
2. Did Donald Trump ever file for bankruptcy?
Yes, although Trump himself has never filed for personal bankruptcy, several of his businesses have. Between 1991 and 2009, Trump’s companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection six times.
3. What was Donald Trump’s approval rating when he left office?
According to Gallup, Trump’s final approval rating as president was 34%, the lowest of his term. His average approval rating over his four years in office was 41%, the lowest of any president in the modern era.
