The Early Billionaire Life
Well before his three bids for the White House, Donald Trump was already among America’s most extravagant billionaires. Born in 1946 as the fourth heir of real estate developer Fred Trump’s children, he learned self-discipline at a military academy after misbehaving as a child. A Wharton School alumnus, Trump began in real estate with what he described as a “small” $1 million advance from his father. By 1971, he was operating the Trump Organization, which he turned from a residential housing company into a recognized brand globally.
Trump Tower, casinos, golf courses, and luxury hotels hold his name from New York to Asia. Outside of real estate, he ventured into entertainment, owning beauty pageants and hosting The Apprentice, which made him a household name.
Donald Trump: Road to Politics
Trump’s involvement with politics started in the 1980s, but 2015 was the year he made an official run for the presidency. His announcement speech pledged to “Make America Great Again,” and outraged the country with allegations about Mexican immigrants and promises to construct a border wall. In the face of scandal and controversy, his blatant style motivated his base.
Against the odds, Trump won over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 and became the 45th US president. His presidency was characterized by dramatic moves pulling out of climate agreements, launching trade wars, restricting travel from Muslim nations, and redrawing Middle East alliances. He was twice accused, rode out investigations into Russian meddling, and drew international condemnation for his handling of COVID-19. Yet he transformed US politics with an unmatched combination of his celebrity aura and political turbulence.
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The Comeback
Trump was defeated by Joe Biden in 2020 but would not concede, igniting unfounded allegations of electoral fraud that reached a boiling point with the January 6 Capitol riot. Politically toxic, some believed his career was finished. His devoted supporters and Republican establishment, however, kept him afloat.
Now 78, Trump has once again beaten expectations. Having survived 91 felony charges, an assassination attempt, and relentless attacks, he is the Republican nominee for the third time. His resurrection testifies to his ability to bounce back as well as to the profound fault lines in American politics.
As US moves toward its next high-stakes election, Trump positions November 5 as “the most important day in the history of our nation,” positioning for a cliffhanger against Democrat Kamala Harris.
