From his beginnings in Queens, New York, to his tenure as the 45th President of the United States, Trump’s life has been a rollercoaster of business triumphs, television fame, and political controversy. This timeline explores the key milestones that have defined Trump’s journey, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and the events that have shaped his public persona. From his early years in real estate to his surprising rise to the presidency, and beyond, this comprehensive timeline offers a detailed look at the life of Donald Trump.
Early Life and Education (1946-1968)
1946: Donald John Trump is born to Fred and Mary Trump. He is the fourth of five children in a family of real estate developers.
1959: At age 13, Trump is enrolled in the New York Military Academy. His parents send him there to instill discipline and improve his academic performance.
1964: Trump graduates from the New York Military Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically.
1964-1968: Trump attends Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduates in 1968 with a degree in economics.
Early Business Career (1968-1987)
1968: After graduating, Trump joins his father Fred Trump’s real estate company, Elizabeth Trump & Son.
1971: Trump takes control of the company, renaming it The Trump Organization. He begins focusing on large-scale building projects in Manhattan.
1977: Trump marries Czech model Ivana Zelníčková. The couple has three children: Donald Jr. (born 1977), Ivanka (born 1981), and Eric (born 1984).
1983: Trump Tower opens in Manhattan. The 58-story skyscraper becomes a symbol of Trump’s ambition and style, featuring a mix of residential, retail, and office spaces.
1985: Trump purchases the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, turning it into a private club.
Expansion and Financial Challenges (1987-1999)
1987: Trump publishes “The Art of the Deal,” co-written with Tony Schwartz. The book becomes a bestseller and cements his reputation as a master dealmaker.
1989: Trump’s business empire begins to show cracks. He incurs significant debt due to the purchase of the Plaza Hotel and other ventures.
1990-1991: The real estate market downturn hits Trump’s businesses hard. He narrowly avoids personal bankruptcy by restructuring his debt and relinquishing control of some properties.
1992: Trump and Ivana divorce, with a highly publicized settlement. Trump marries actress Marla Maples in 1993, and they have one daughter, Tiffany (born 1993).
1999: Trump and Marla Maples divorce. During this period, Trump explores running for president on the Reform Party ticket but ultimately decides against it.
Media and Entertainment (2000-2014)
2000: Trump releases another book, “The America We Deserve,” expressing his views on politics and policy.
2004: “The Apprentice” debuts on NBC, hosted by Trump. The reality TV show, where contestants compete for a job in Trump’s organization, becomes a massive hit and further raises his profile.
2005: Trump marries Slovenian model Melania Knauss. They have one son, Barron (born 2006).
2011: Trump begins to publicly question President Barack Obama’s birthplace, becoming a leading voice in the “birther” movement. This controversy garners significant media attention.
Presidential Campaign and First Term (2015-2020)
2015: Trump announces his candidacy for President of the United States as a Republican. His campaign is marked by controversial statements and a promise to “Make America Great Again.”
2016: Trump wins the Republican nomination, defeating 16 other candidates. In a stunning upset, he defeats Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the presidential election.
2017: Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. He quickly begins to implement his agenda, including efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and imposing a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries.
2019: Trump faces an impeachment inquiry over allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. The House of Representatives impeaches him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
2020: The Senate acquits Trump, allowing him to remain in office. Later that year, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the United States. Trump’s handling of the pandemic becomes a major issue in the 2020 presidential election, where he is defeated by Joe Biden.
Post-Presidency (2021-Present)
2021: Trump leaves office on January 20, 2021. Shortly after, he faces a second impeachment by the House, this time for incitement of insurrection following the January 6th attack on the Capitol. He is acquitted by the Senate.
2021-Present: Trump continues to wield significant influence within the Republican Party. He remains active in politics, endorsing candidates and holding rallies. He also faces ongoing legal challenges and investigations into his business practices.
Key Business Ventures and Accomplishments
1980s: Trump expands his business empire, developing numerous properties including Trump Plaza, Trump Castle, and the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. He also ventures into the airline industry with the purchase of the Eastern Air Shuttle, rebranding it as Trump Shuttle.
1996: Trump acquires the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants, further diversifying his business interests.
2001: Trump World Tower, a residential skyscraper near the United Nations headquarters, opens.
2012: Trump International Hotel & Tower in Toronto opens, showcasing his continued involvement in high-profile real estate developments.
Personal Life and Public Image
2000s-Present: Throughout his career, Trump has been known for his flamboyant lifestyle and media presence. He has made numerous cameo appearances in films and television shows, including “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “Sex and the City.”
2018: Melania Trump launches her “Be Best” initiative, focusing on the well-being of children. As First Lady, she undertakes various public health and educational campaigns.
2020-Present: Trump’s post-presidency life includes managing his business interests, maintaining a significant public presence through media appearances, and continuing to influence American politics.
Donald Trump’s life is a tapestry of ambitious business ventures, media stardom, and a highly unconventional presidency. His journey from a young real estate developer in Queens to the Oval Office is a testament to his ability to captivate and polarize the American public. As he continues to shape the political landscape, his legacy remains a topic of intense debate and fascination.