He’s loud, audacious, and always ready to get involved in one or more controversies, but Donald J. Trump, with all his boasting, and no-holds-barred quips, comments, and rhetoric, is the 45th President of the United States.
His rise to the Oval Office is one of the most controversial in the history of the United States.
He defeated the well-heeled political machine of Senator Hillary Clinton in a nail-biting election.
With his distinctive hairstyle and blunt wisecracks, Donald Trump has become one of the most remarkable figures in U.S. history.
Here are 8 facts about President Donald Trump that you probably didn’t know.
1. Trump’s Family Name Was Originally “Drumpf”
One of the lesser-known facts about Donald Trump is that his family name was originally “Drumpf.” His paternal grandfather, Friedrich Trump, emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1885. At some point after settling in America, the family changed their surname to “Trump.” This change was part of a broader trend among immigrants to Anglicize their names to better assimilate into American society.
2. He Was a Registered Democrat for Several Years
While Donald Trump is widely known for his affiliation with the Republican Party, he was actually a registered Democrat for a significant part of his life. In fact, Trump has switched party affiliations multiple times. He was a Democrat from 2001 to 2009 before registering as a Republican. Trump has often described himself as someone who believes in policies rather than party loyalty, which is reflected in his changing political affiliations over the years.
3. He Owned a Professional Football Team
In the mid-1980s, Donald Trump was the owner of the New Jersey Generals, a team in the United States Football League (USFL). Trump purchased the team in 1983 and became a vocal and influential owner. He pushed for the league to move its games to the fall to compete directly with the NFL, a strategy that ultimately led to the league’s downfall. The USFL folded in 1986, but Trump’s involvement in professional football remains a curious chapter in his diverse business career.
4. Trump Has Made Cameo Appearances in Movies and TV Shows
Aside from his famous role on “The Apprentice,” Donald Trump has made numerous cameo appearances in movies and television shows. Some of his notable appearances include “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Sex and the City.” These cameos often portray Trump as himself, highlighting his status as a cultural icon long before he entered politics.
5. He Doesn’t Drink Alcohol
Unlike many public figures, Donald Trump is a teetotaler. He abstains from alcohol, a decision influenced by the tragic death of his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., who struggled with alcoholism and died at a young age. Trump has often spoken about his brother’s battle with addiction and how it shaped his own views on alcohol and substance abuse.
6. Trump Has His Own Board Game
In 1989, Donald Trump launched a board game called “Trump: The Game.” The game was marketed as a high-stakes business game where players could buy and sell properties, much like Monopoly. However, it failed to achieve the same level of success and was discontinued after poor sales. The game was later re-released in 2004 following Trump’s rise in popularity from “The Apprentice,” but it still did not become a mainstream hit.
7. He Was the First President Without Prior Political or Military Experience
When Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States in 2016, he made history as the first person to assume the office without any prior political or military experience. Trump’s background as a businessman and television personality set him apart from previous presidents, who typically had careers in politics, law, or the military before taking office.
8. Trump Is an Author of Several Bestsellers
Donald Trump is also a prolific author, having written or co-written more than a dozen books. His most famous book, “The Art of the Deal,” published in 1987, offers insights into his business strategies and personal philosophy. The book became a bestseller and played a significant role in building Trump’s public persona as a successful dealmaker. Other notable books by Trump include “Surviving at the Top,” “The America We Deserve,” and “Time to Get Tough.”
Donald Trump is a complex and multifaceted individual whose life and career extend far beyond his presidency. From his family’s immigrant roots to his ventures in sports, entertainment, and literature, there are many aspects of Trump’s story that are not widely known. These eight facts provide a deeper understanding of the man who has been a dominant figure in American public life for decades. Whether admired or criticized, Trump’s impact on business, media, and politics is undeniable.