Donald J. Trump has lived a life marked by business success, media dominance, and political influence, making him one of the most recognizable figures in modern history.
From his early days as a real estate developer in New York City to becoming a television personality and, ultimately, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, his career has been defined by ambition, controversy, and resilience.
His journey from a young businessman to a two-time president has been filled with dramatic moments, including high-profile real estate deals, bestselling books, a hit reality TV show, and two historic election victories.
His presidency saw sweeping policy changes, impeachment trials, and a deeply divided political climate. After losing the 2020 election, Trump staged a remarkable political comeback in 2024, winning a second, non-consecutive term—something only one other U.S. president, Grover Cleveland, had achieved.
This timeline provides a detailed look at Trump’s life, covering his rise in the business world, his influence in media, and his impact on American politics.
From his birth in Queens to his return to the White House, each milestone reflects the legacy of a man who has reshaped the political and cultural landscape of the United States.
| June 14, 1946 | Donald John Trump is born in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. |
| 1964-1968 | Attends Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics. |
| 1971 | Takes control of his father’s real estate company, renaming it The Trump Organization. He shifts its focus to large-scale projects in Manhattan, including hotels, casinos, and skyscrapers. |
| 1983 | Completes Trump Tower, a 58-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, which becomes a symbol of his brand and success. |
| 1987 | Publishes his first book, “The Art of the Deal,” which becomes a bestseller and enhances his public profile. |
| 1996-2015 | Acquires ownership of the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants, expanding his brand into the entertainment industry. |
| 2004-2015 | Hosts and produces the reality television show “The Apprentice,” where contestants compete for a position within The Trump Organization. The show’s success further elevates his celebrity status. |
| June 16, 2015 | Announces his candidacy for the 2016 U.S. presidential election as a Republican, campaigning on a platform of immigration reform, economic nationalism, and “America First” policies. |
| November 8, 2016 | Wins the 2016 presidential election, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and is inaugurated on January 20, 2017. |
| 2017-2021 | Implements policies including tax reforms, deregulation, and a focus on reshaping immigration laws. Faces two impeachment trials—first in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and second in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—both resulting in acquittal by the Senate. |
| November 3, 2020 | Loses the presidential election to Democratic nominee Joe Biden. |
| November 5, 2024 | Wins the 2024 presidential election, defeating Democratic nominee and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. |
| January 20, 2025 | Is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. |
| January-February 2025 | Issues several executive orders, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, and establishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk to lead the initiative. |
Timeline of Donald Trump
June 14, 1946 – Donald Trump is Born
Donald John Trump was born in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. He was the fourth of five children in a wealthy family that built its fortune through real estate development in New York City.
Growing up in the affluent neighborhood of Jamaica Estates, Trump was exposed to his father’s business at an early age, which would later shape his career in real estate and entrepreneurship.
1964-1968 – University Education
Trump attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. At Wharton, he studied economics and real estate, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1968.
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His time at Wharton was marked by a strong focus on business, and he often credited his education there as a foundation for his later success in the real estate industry.
1971 – The Trump Organization
After graduating from college, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, which was primarily focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn and Queens. In 1971, he took control of the company and rebranded it as The Trump Organization.
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Under his leadership, the company shifted its focus to high-profile real estate developments in Manhattan, including luxury hotels, office buildings, and casinos. His aggressive business tactics and branding strategies helped establish him as a major player in the New York real estate market.
1983 – Trump Tower Completed
One of Trump’s most significant early projects was the construction of Trump Tower, a 58-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Completed in 1983, Trump Tower became a symbol of his brand, featuring luxury apartments, office spaces, and high-end retail stores.
The building’s extravagant design, including a marble-clad atrium and gold accents, reflected Trump’s signature style of opulence and grandeur. It also served as his primary residence and business headquarters for many years.
1987 – “The Art of the Deal”
Trump published his first book, The Art of the Deal, which became a bestseller and further solidified his reputation as a successful businessman. The book, co-written with journalist Tony Schwartz, combined personal anecdotes with business advice and strategies.
It portrayed Trump as a master negotiator and dealmaker, helping to enhance his public image and laying the groundwork for his later ventures in media and politics.
1996-2015 – Miss Universe Organization
Expanding his brand into the entertainment industry, Trump acquired the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants in 1996.
He ran the organization for nearly two decades, using the pageants as a platform to promote his business empire and personal brand. The events, often held in glamorous locations, attracted international attention and reinforced Trump’s presence in the media.
2004-2015 – “The Apprentice”
Trump became a household name through the reality television show The Apprentice, which premiered in 2004. The show featured contestants competing for a management position within The Trump Organization, with Trump serving as the host and judge.
His catchphrase, “You’re fired,” became iconic. The show’s success led to multiple seasons and spin-offs, including The Celebrity Apprentice. It significantly boosted Trump’s national popularity and public recognition, making him a well-known figure beyond business and real estate.
June 16, 2015 – Presidential Campaign Announcement
Trump announced his candidacy for the 2016 U.S. presidential election as a Republican, launching his campaign from Trump Tower. His platform emphasized immigration reform, economic nationalism, and an “America First” approach.
His campaign style was unconventional, relying heavily on social media, large rallies, and direct attacks on political opponents. Despite initial skepticism from political analysts, his message resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.
November 8, 2016 – Elected 45th President
In a historic upset, Trump won the 2016 presidential election, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. His victory was driven by strong support in key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
His campaign’s emphasis on economic growth, deregulation, and stricter immigration policies appealed to a broad segment of voters. He was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on January 20, 2017.
2017-2021 – First Term as President
As president, Trump implemented significant policy changes, including tax reforms, deregulation, and a focus on reshaping immigration laws. His administration was marked by controversial policies, including the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries and the construction of a border wall.
He faced two impeachment trials—first in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to Ukraine, and second in 2021 for incitement of insurrection following the January 6 Capitol riot. Both trials ended in acquittal by the Senate.
November 3, 2020 – Election Defeat
Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Democratic nominee Joe Biden. His defeat led to widespread claims of election fraud, which he and his allies pursued in multiple legal challenges.
Despite numerous court rulings dismissing these claims, Trump continued to assert that the election had been “stolen.” His post-election actions culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, leading to his second impeachment.
November 5, 2024 – Re-elected as 47th President
After leaving office, Trump remained politically active and announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. In a highly contested race, he defeated Democratic nominee and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, making him the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, after Grover Cleveland. His victory signaled a major shift in American politics, as he reclaimed the White House four years after his first term.
January 20, 2025 – Second Inauguration
Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his second term. His return to office was met with both strong support from his base and significant opposition from his critics.
The inauguration ceremony, due to extreme cold, was held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda. His inaugural address focused on restoring economic strength, border security, and revisiting foreign policy commitments.
January-February 2025 – Early Actions in Second Term
Trump wasted no time in implementing key executive actions during the early weeks of his second term. He withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, citing a need for economic independence and reduced international obligations.
He also established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and appointed Elon Musk to lead the initiative, giving Musk’s team access to various federal agencies.
Additionally, Trump issued full pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. His administration also focused on accelerating infrastructure projects and tax cuts aimed at stimulating the economy.