President Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, has become one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American political history. Before entering politics, Trump was known as a real estate mogul, television personality, and businessman. He took over the Trump Organization from his father in 1971 and expanded the business into high-profile projects including Trump Tower in Manhattan and luxury resorts like Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump also gained national fame through the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” which aired from 2004 to 2015, further cementing his public persona.
Trump’s political rise began with his campaign for the presidency in 2016 as a Republican. Running as an outsider with the slogan “Make America Great Again,” he defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote. He assumed office as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. His presidency was marked by sweeping changes in domestic and foreign policy, often driven by a populist and nationalist agenda. Trump passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, which significantly reduced the corporate tax rate and was touted as a boost to the economy.
President Donald Trump prioritized an “America First” approach, withdrawing the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. His administration implemented strict immigration policies, including a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries and efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. His presidency also saw escalating tensions with China over trade and technology, resulting in a prolonged trade war that affected global markets.
One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s presidency was his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics accused him of downplaying the virus’s severity, promoting unverified treatments, and undermining public health agencies. Despite this, Trump remained popular among his base and continued to campaign for conservative values, appointing three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. These appointments shifted the Court’s ideological balance for years to come.
President Donald Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives. The first impeachment occurred in 2019 over allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden. He was acquitted by the Senate in early 2020. His second impeachment followed the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where Trump was accused of inciting insurrection. Though acquitted again, this marked the first time a U.S. president was impeached twice.
After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump refused to concede, falsely claiming widespread voter fraud. These claims fueled the Capitol riot and led to increased scrutiny of his political influence. Despite his loss, Trump remained a dominant figure in the Republican Party and continued to attract large crowds at rallies. He later announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and secured the Republican nomination, showing his enduring grip on the GOP.
Since leaving office, Trump has faced numerous legal challenges. He has been indicted in multiple criminal cases, including charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents, efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, and hush-money payments in New York. He was found guilty in the New York case, making him the first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes. Additionally, Trump faced civil lawsuits, such as the E. Jean Carroll defamation case and a fraud lawsuit targeting the Trump Organization.
Despite legal troubles, President Donald Trump continues to command a significant following. He launched Truth Social, a social media platform aimed at bypassing traditional media and maintaining direct communication with his supporters. His influence over the Republican Party and conservative politics remains strong, and his presence continues to shape national conversations on immigration, economic policy, and American identity. As the 2024 election nears, Trump’s role in shaping the future of the United States remains as significant as ever.