Donald J. Trump’s rise to the presidency of the United States is one of the most remarkable stories in modern American history. From businessman to reality TV star to the 45th President of the United States, Trump’s journey is a testament to his ambition and determination. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Donald J. Trump went from businessman to President of the United States and the events that shaped his remarkable career. Please visit TRB Membership Handbook
The Early Years
Donald J. Trump was born in Queens, New York City on June 14, 1946 to Fred and Mary Trump. He attended the Kew-Forest School for his early education, before attending the New York Military Academy for his high school years. After graduating from college, he attended the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics.
Trump began his career working for his father’s real estate development company, Elizabeth Trump & Son. While working in this role, he successfully constructed The Commodore Hotel, Trump Tower, and Wollman Rink in Central Park. During this time, he expanded his real estate portfolio to Manhattan and other cities across the U.S., including Atlantic City and Palm Beach. He also developed multiple casino resorts.
In 1981, Donald Trump was named to the Forbes list of wealthy Americans as a billionaire. That same year, he founded the Trump Organization, a conglomerate that included casinos, hotels, golf courses, modeling agencies, and other businesses. During his time as CEO of the organization, Trump became well-known for his ostentatious lifestyle and extravagant spending habits. In 2004, he began hosting the reality TV show The Apprentice, which catapulted him to international fame.
The Business Years
Donald J. Trump was born into wealth and privilege, but he has made his own fortune over the years as a savvy businessman. In the 1970s, Trump began his foray into real estate development and opened the Grand Hyatt hotel in Midtown Manhattan. During this time, he also built the Trump Tower, a 58-story building on Fifth Avenue that became an iconic New York City landmark.
By the 1980s, Trump had become a well-known name in business circles. He acquired an airline company, the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, and the Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump also founded Trump University, which offered courses in business education. During this period, Trump made frequent appearances on TV shows and was often referred to as the “Teflon Don.”
Trump’s business career continued to thrive in the 1990s and early 2000s. He became a reality TV star with his show “The Apprentice,” which debuted in 2004. He went on to host the show for 14 seasons and made millions in endorsement deals. Trump also ran a successful casino business and bought various golf courses and resorts around the world.
By the mid-2010s, Trump had become an international celebrity. His brand was estimated to be worth over $3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. This success allowed him to pursue his next goal: running for president of the United States.
The Reality TV Years
Donald J. Trump’s rise to fame was accelerated by his involvement with reality television. He starred in The Apprentice, the hit NBC show which ran from 2004 to 2017. On the show, he was the boss and contestants competed for a job with the Trump Organization. With his iconic catchphrase, “You’re fired!”, Trump became a household name. He also had several other television shows such as The Celebrity Apprentice and The Ultimate Merger, which further cemented his status as a celebrity.
During this time period, Trump was able to build an audience for himself through his appearances on TV, as well as through his social media accounts. His strong and controversial opinions on politics and other topics made him an even more popular figure in American pop culture. His presence on TV gave him the public platform he needed to eventually launch his presidential campaign. His success on The Apprentice also earned him a substantial income, which enabled him to make huge investments in real estate and increase his wealth.
Overall, Donald J. Trump’s presence on reality television helped him develop a larger fan base and gain recognition and influence across the United States. It also provided him with the financial resources to fund his future political ambitions.
The Presidential Years
Donald J. Trump’s bid for the United States presidency began in June of 2015, when he announced his candidacy at Trump Tower in New York City. The campaign was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, as Trump was seen by many as a long-shot candidate. Despite this, Trump was able to win the Republican primary and go on to face off against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
On election night, Trump pulled off a major upset and defeated Clinton to become the 45th President of the United States. As President, Trump has enacted a variety of policies on a range of issues from immigration to foreign affairs. His tenure has been marked by controversy and political discord, yet Trump continues to enjoy support from his core base of supporters.
While President Trump’s time in office has been tumultuous, he has nonetheless achieved success in some areas. He has passed several major pieces of legislation such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for corporations and individuals. He has also negotiated trade deals with China and Mexico and signed executive orders that have reversed a number of Obama-era policies.
As his first term draws to a close, Donald J. Trump’s legacy as President is yet to be determined. Regardless, it is clear that his journey from businessman to President has been anything but conventional.
