Donald Trump: Businessman and Former President

Donald Trump is an American businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Before entering politics, he was a prominent real estate developer and businessman in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Frederick C. Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. His father was a successful real estate developer who built low- and middle-income housing in Queens and Brooklyn. Trump attended the Kew-Forest School and later the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school, where he graduated in 1964.

He went on to study at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 1968. This education provided him with a strong foundation in business principles that would inform his later career.

Early Career in Real Estate

After graduating from college, Trump briefly worked for his father’s real estate company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, before taking control of the business in 1971. He renamed it The Trump Organization and began expanding its operations.

Key Early Projects

Some of his early significant projects included:

• Renovating and managing the Commodore Hotel (later the Grand Hyatt)
• Developing Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
• Building Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
• Constructing Trump Tower in West Palm Beach, Florida

Business Philosophy

Trump’s approach to real estate development was characterized by:

• A focus on high-profile, luxury properties
• Extensive use of branding and marketing
• Aggressive negotiation tactics
• A willingness to take on high-risk, high-reward projects

The Trump Organization

Under Trump’s leadership, The Trump Organization became one of the most recognizable real estate brands in the world. The company’s portfolio included:

• Residential and commercial real estate
• Hotels and resorts
• Golf courses
• Marinas
• Entertainment venues

Expansion and Diversification

Trump expanded the business beyond real estate into:

• Casinos and gaming
• Golf course development
• Entertainment and media
• Consumer products and licensing

Media Career

The Apprentice

In 2004, Trump became the host of the reality television show “The Apprentice,” which ran for 14 seasons on NBC. The show made him a household name and further enhanced his brand recognition. The show’s format, which involved business competitions, aligned with his image as a successful businessman.

The show’s catchphrase “You’re fired!” became synonymous with Trump and contributed to his public persona.

Other Media Ventures

Trump also:

• Made cameo appearances in films and television shows
• Licensed his name for various products and properties
• Maintained a high public profile through media appearances and interviews

Political Career

Entry into Politics

Trump’s entry into politics began with speculation about presidential runs in 1987 and 2000, though he did not pursue these seriously at the time. He briefly considered running as an independent in 2012.

2016 Presidential Campaign

In June 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States as a Republican. His campaign was notable for:

• Unconventional campaign methods
• Extensive use of social media, particularly Twitter
• Focus on issues like immigration and trade
• Populist messaging that appealed to disaffected voters

Presidency (2017-2021)

Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President on January 20, 2017. His presidency was marked by:

• Deregulation efforts
• Tax reform legislation
• Changes to U.S. trade policies
• A focus on “America First” policies
• Controversy and intense media scrutiny

Books and Publications

Trump is the author or co-author of several books that focus on business, negotiation, and his personal philosophy:

“The Art of the Deal” (1987)

Co-written with journalist Tony Schwartz, this book became a bestseller and established Trump as a business guru. The book outlined his approach to negotiation and deal-making.

Other Business Books

• “The Art of the Comeback” (1997)
• “The America We Deserve” (2000)
• “How to Get Rich” (2004)
• “Think Like a Billionaire” (2004)
• “Trump: The Art of the Deal” (2015, reissue)
• “Crippled America” (2015)
• “Time to Get Tough” (2011)

Business Philosophy and Approach

Negotiation Style

Trump’s approach to negotiation emphasizes:

• Being unpredictable to gain advantages
• Maintaining leverage in all situations
• Focusing on the end goal rather than the process
• Using media attention strategically

Branding and Marketing

His business approach includes:

• Building a strong personal brand
• Leveraging media attention for promotional purposes
• Creating a sense of luxury and exclusivity
• Using controversy to generate publicity

Risk-Taking

Trump is known for:

• Taking on high-risk projects
• Leveraging debt to finance large projects
• Viewing bankruptcy as a business tool rather than failure
• Making bold, attention-grabbing statements

Controversies and Criticisms

Trump’s career has been marked by various controversies:

• Legal disputes and litigation
• Criticism of his business practices
• Controversial statements on various topics
• Allegations of unethical behavior

Legacy and Impact

Business Impact

Trump’s impact on business includes:

• Changing how real estate developers market their properties
• Demonstrating the power of personal branding
• Influencing how business leaders interact with the media
• Pioneering the use of reality television for business promotion

Political Impact

His political impact includes:

• Mobilizing a base of supporters who felt overlooked by traditional politics
• Changing how presidential candidates use media and communication
• Influencing the Republican Party’s platform and messaging
• Contributing to increased political polarization

Personal Life

Trump has been married three times:

1. Ivana Trump (1977-1992)
2. Marla Maples (1993-1999)
3. Melania Trump (2005-present)

He has five children:

• Donald Trump Jr.
• Ivanka Trump
• Eric Trump
• Tiffany Trump
• Barron Trump

Continuing Influence

Trump continues to:

• Maintain a presence in media and public discourse
• Influence political discussions and debates
• Be a polarizing figure in American public life
• Have a significant impact on business and political culture

Leadership Style

Trump’s leadership style is characterized by:

• Direct communication and blunt speaking
• A focus on results and outcomes
• A willingness to challenge conventional wisdom
• Heavy use of social media for direct communication
• A hands-on approach to decision-making

Approach to Conflict

His approach to conflict includes:

• Confronting opponents directly
• Using media to shape public perception
• Leveraging his platform to gain advantages
• Maintaining a combative public persona

Continuing Relevance

Trump remains a significant figure in:

• American politics and political discourse
• Business and entrepreneurship discussions
• Media and entertainment
• Popular culture

His influence continues to be felt in various aspects of American society, regardless of one’s political views.