Donald Trump: Early Life, Business Career, and Rise to Prominence

Early Life and Family Background
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, as the fourth of five children to Frederick Christ Trump, a wealthy real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant.
Siblings: His eldest sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, became a federal judge, while his older brother, Frederick Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism and died young.
Father’s Business: Fred Trump built a real estate empire in Brooklyn and Queens, specializing in affordable housing projects, though his dealings were sometimes controversial.

Education and Early Career
Trump attended:
New York Military Academy (1959–1964) – Developed discipline and leadership skills.
Fordham University (1964–1966) – Briefly studied before transferring.
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1966–1968) – Earned a degree in economics.
After graduating, Trump joined his father’s company, The Trump Organization, and took over as president in 1974.


Expansion into Manhattan and Luxury Real Estate
In the 1970s and 1980s, Trump shifted focus from outer boroughs to Manhattan’s high-end real estate market, leveraging loans and political connections.
Key Projects:
Grand Hyatt Hotel (1980) – Renovated the decaying Commodore Hotel with tax breaks.
Trump Tower (1983) – A 58-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue, housing his headquarters and luxury residences.
Atlantic City Casinos – Owned multiple casinos, including the Trump Taj Mahal, once the world’s largest.
However, his aggressive borrowing led to financial troubles in the 1990s.


Financial Struggles and Comeback
The 1990s recession hit Trump hard:
Multiple bankruptcies – His casinos and Plaza Hotel collapsed under debt.
Personal debt – Owed nearly $900 million personally.
Yet, he rebounded in the 2000s with:
Deutsche Bank loans funding new projects like Trump World Tower.
Reality TV fame – The Apprentice (2004) boosted his brand, earning him millions.

Controversies and Legal Issues
Trump’s career was marred by legal battles:
Housing discrimination lawsuits (1970s) – Accused of racial bias in tenant selection.
Trump University lawsuits – Settled fraud claims for $25 million.
Tax avoidance allegations – Reports revealed he paid minimal federal taxes for years.


Personal Life and Marriages
Trump has been married three times:
Ivana Zelníčková (1977–1992) – Three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric.
Marla Maples (1993–1999) – One child: Tiffany.
Melania Knauss (2005–present) – One child: Barron.


Sample Questions & Answers
Q1: What was Donald Trump’s first major real estate project in Manhattan?
A: The Grand Hyatt Hotel, a renovation of the Commodore Hotel, opened in 1980.
Q2: Why did Trump’s businesses struggle in the 1990s?
A: Heavy debt, economic recession, and multiple bankruptcies crippled his casinos and hotels.
Q3: How did Trump regain financial stability in the 2000s?
A: Loans from Deutsche Bank and earnings from The Apprentice revived his wealth.
Q4: What legal issues did Trump face before his presidency?
A: Lawsuits over Trump University fraud, housing discrimination, and tax controversies.
Q5: Who were Trump’s parents, and what was their influence?
A: His father, Fred Trump, was a real estate tycoon who funded his early ventures, while his mother, Mary MacLeod, was a Scottish immigrant.