Donald Trump's story begins not in a Manhattan high-rise, but in Queens, New York. Born in 1946, he was one of five children of Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer who built a fortune on middle-class housing in New York's outer boroughs. From a young age, Donald was immersed in the world of real estate, accompanying his father to construction sites and learning the family trade firsthand.

Fred Trump's influence was immense. He instilled a powerful ambition and a competitive drive in his son, grooming him to take over the family business. The expectation was clear: Donald would not just join the company, he would expand its reach beyond Queens and Brooklyn into the glittering, high-stakes world of Manhattan real estate.

As a teenager, Trump's energetic and assertive nature led his parents to send him to the New York Military Academy. They hoped the disciplined environment would channel his energy productively. He excelled there, rising to a student leadership position.

After graduating, he spent two years at Fordham University in the Bronx before transferring to the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics and immediately joined his father's company, Elizabeth Trump & Son. He was given control of the company in 1971 and soon renamed it The Trump Organization. His focus shifted decisively towards Manhattan, where he aimed to build a brand synonymous with luxury and opulence.

Trump's first major project in Manhattan was the renovation of the Commodore Hotel, which he transformed into the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980. This deal, secured with significant tax abatements, showcased his skill as a negotiator and put him on the map.

His signature project, Trump Tower, opened on Fifth Avenue in 1983. The 58-story skyscraper, with its lavish marble atrium and brass fixtures, became an icon of 1980s luxury and a symbol of his brand. Over the next two decades, Trump expanded his empire to include casinos in Atlantic City, hotels, golf courses, and an airline. While some ventures faced bankruptcy and significant debt, they all contributed to building his public profile.

Beyond real estate, Trump understood the power of media. He was a master of self-promotion, frequently appearing in newspapers and on television. His 1987 book, The Art of the Deal, was a bestseller that cemented his image as a brilliant and audacious dealmaker. This persona was amplified in 2004 when he became the host of the reality TV show The Apprentice. His catchphrase, "You're fired!", became a cultural phenomenon, making him a household name across America and solidifying his image as a decisive, no-nonsense leader.

Trump had flirted with politics for years, but in 2015 he made a serious move, announcing his candidacy for president as a Republican. Running on the populist slogan "Make America Great Again," his unconventional campaign, fueled by large rallies and a powerful social media presence, defied expectations. He defeated sixteen other Republican candidates before winning the general election against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

As the 45th President of the United States, his term was marked by significant policy changes. He enacted a major tax cut, appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, and took a protectionist stance on trade, renegotiating agreements like NAFTA. His presidency was also characterized by a confrontational style, frequent use of Twitter, and investigations into his campaign and business dealings, which culminated in two impeachments by the House of Representatives. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.

After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump did not fade from public life. He has remained a dominant and highly influential figure in the Republican Party, continuing to hold rallies and shape political discourse.

Now that you have a foundational understanding of Donald Trump's life, from his business career to his time in office, test your knowledge.