Donald Trump

Donald John Trump is an American politician, businessman and former television personality who has served as President of the United States. He was the 45th president from 2017 to 2021 and returned to office as the 47th president following the 2024 election, making him one of the few people in American history to serve non-consecutive presidential terms.

Early Life and Business Career

Trump was born in 1946 in the Queens borough of New York City. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, earning a degree in economics. He then entered the family real estate business founded by his father, Fred Trump, and over time expanded its focus toward Manhattan property development and a broader range of ventures.

Under his name, the Trump Organization became involved in real estate, hotels, golf courses and licensing arrangements, and his name was attached to numerous buildings and products. He also became a well-known public figure through media appearances and his association with high-profile projects. From 2004, he hosted and co-produced the reality television program The Apprentice, which significantly raised his national profile and made his catchphrase widely recognized.

Path to the Presidency

Trump had publicly discussed the possibility of running for office at various points before formally launching a presidential campaign in 2015 as a Republican. Running as a political outsider, he won the party's nomination and then the 2016 general election, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College. His campaign emphasized themes such as immigration, trade and a promise to challenge established political norms.

During his first term, his administration pursued policies including tax legislation, changes to regulations, the appointment of federal judges including three Supreme Court justices, and shifts in trade and foreign policy. His presidency was marked by significant political polarization. He was impeached twice by the House of Representatives and acquitted both times by the Senate. He lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, and the period following that election, including the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, became the subject of extensive debate and investigation.

Return to Office and Public Profile

After leaving office, Trump remained a dominant figure in the Republican Party and faced a number of legal proceedings across several jurisdictions. He launched another presidential campaign and won the Republican nomination once more, going on to win the 2024 election and return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term beginning in 2025.

Throughout his public life, Trump has been a polarizing figure, drawing strong support from his base and strong opposition from critics. Supporters often point to his economic and policy priorities and his outsider style, while critics raise concerns about his conduct, rhetoric and approach to democratic institutions. He has been an unusually prominent presence in American media and political discourse.

Trump's career spans business, entertainment and politics in a way that is distinctive among modern American leaders. His communication style, particularly his use of social media, and his ability to mobilize a large and committed following have been widely analyzed. As a sitting president serving a second term, he continues to shape national debates on issues ranging from the economy and immigration to foreign affairs, and his tenure remains a central subject of contemporary political discussion in the United States and internationally.