Donald Trump: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life and Education
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a prominent real estate developer, and Mary MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. He was the fourth of five children. Trump attended the New York Military Academy from 1959 to 1964, where he excelled in sports and leadership roles. He then studied at Fordham University for two years before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968. During the Vietnam War, he received multiple deferments and was later diagnosed with bone spurs, exempting him from military service .
Business Career
Upon graduation, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In 1971, he took control of the company, renaming it The Trump Organization. Trump made his mark by acquiring and developing high-profile properties, including the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt and the construction of Trump Tower in Manhattan. His ventures expanded to casinos, golf courses, and resorts. In 1987, he authored “The Art of the Deal,” which became a bestseller and further solidified his public persona .
Television and Branding
Trump leveraged his business success into a media career, hosting the reality television show “The Apprentice” from 2004 to 2015. The show’s popularity enhanced his celebrity status and brand recognition. He also licensed his name for various products and ventures, including Trump University, a real estate education program launched in 2005. The university faced legal challenges and was eventually shut down in 2010 .
Political Career
In June 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States. He ran as a Republican and won the 2016 election, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. His presidency was marked by significant policy changes, including tax reforms, deregulation efforts, and a focus on immigration control. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives, first in 2019 and again in 2021, though he was acquitted both times by the Senate .
After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to influence the political landscape. In 2024, he announced his candidacy for the presidency again and won the election, becoming the 47th president of the United States in January 2025 .
Personal Life
Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Zelníčková in 1977; they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. They divorced in 1992. He married Marla Maples in 1993, and they had one daughter, Tiffany, before divorcing in 1999. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model, and they have one son, Barron.
Wealth and Business Ventures
Trump’s net worth has been a subject of public interest and debate. As of early 2025, estimates place his net worth between $4.2 billion and $6.5 billion, though these figures vary depending on the source and market conditions . His wealth is primarily derived from real estate holdings, branding ventures, and media appearances.
Legacy
Donald Trump’s life and career have been characterized by ambition, controversy, and a unique approach to business and politics. His influence on American society and the global stage continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis.
💰 Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of early 2025, Donald Trump’s net worth is estimated at $5.1 billion, according to Forbes. His wealth is derived from real estate holdings, branding ventures, and media appearances. Trump’s media ventures, particularly Truth Social and the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), have significantly boosted his wealth. He owns 114 million shares in TMTG, valued at approximately $2 billion. His real estate portfolio includes properties like Mar-a-Lago and various golf courses, valued at around $2.5 billion. Additionally, he has cash and personal assets totaling about $400 million.
Trump’s wealth has also been influenced by his involvement in cryptocurrency. In January 2025, he launched $TRUMP, a meme coin associated with his brand, which generated significant revenue. Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to these ventures.
👪 Personal Life
Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Zelníčková in 1977; they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. They divorced in 1992. He married Marla Maples in 1993, and they had one daughter, Tiffany, before divorcing in 1999. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model, and they have one son, Barron.
Following his 2024 presidential election victory, Trump celebrated alongside his extensive family, many of whom have been active participants in his political and business endeavors. His children, including Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron, have been involved in various capacities, contributing to the family’s public presence.
🏛️ Legacy
Donald Trump’s life and career have been characterized by ambition, controversy, and a unique approach to business and politics. His influence on American society and the global stage continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis.