Donald Trump

Donald John Trump: A Political Journey

Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Having won the 2024 presidential election as the nominee of the Republican Party, he is now the president-elect and will be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, 2025.

Trump’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the president of his family real estate business in 1971 and focused on luxury accommodation. However, after a series of bankruptcies in the 1990s, he launched side ventures that would eventually lead him into the world of reality television.

From 2004 to 2015, Trump produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. This show catapulted him into the public eye and laid the groundwork for his political career. His stint on TV was not just about entertainment; it was a strategic move that allowed him to hone his communication skills and build a brand around himself.

Trump’s path to the presidency was anything but conventional. He won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican nominee, a victory that many political analysts initially dismissed. His campaign platform included renegotiating US-China relations, building a wall along the US-Mexico border, and imposing tariffs on imports. These promises resonated with a segment of the American electorate who felt left behind by globalization.

Once in office, Trump’s presidency was marked by numerous controversies and policy changes. He ordered a travel ban targeting 12% of the world’s Muslims, expanded the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and implemented a family separation policy. His administration also rolled back over 100 environmental regulations, including those that curbed greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

However, Trump’s presidency was not without its challenges. He faced numerous legal battles, including investigations into his business dealings and alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election campaign. The Mueller report revealed multiple acts of potential obstruction of justice by Trump but did not establish a conspiracy or coordination between the campaign and Russian interference.

Despite these controversies, Trump’s approval ratings remained low throughout his presidency. Historians ranked him as one of the worst presidents in American history. His politics and rhetoric led to the creation of a political movement known as Trumpism, characterized by right-wing populism and often contradictory positions.

The 2024 Election

After losing his first term, Trump did not concede defeat in the 2020 election. He falsely claimed widespread electoral fraud and attempted to overturn the results through legal challenges and pressure on officials. These actions culminated in the January 6 Capitol attack, where a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Following his loss, Trump faced numerous criminal charges and civil cases related to his business dealings and alleged election interference. In May 2024, he was found guilty of falsifying business records, making him the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. He faces more felony indictments related to his handling of classified documents, which were dismissed after his victory in the 2024 election.

Despite these setbacks, Trump’s political machine remained formidable. In February 2021, he registered a new company, Trump Media & Technology Group, for social networking services. By March 2024, TMTG had merged with Digital World Acquisition and became a public company. This move was seen as an attempt to regain control over his digital footprint.

A New Presidency

When Trump left the White House, he took government materials with him to Mar-a-Lago. The National Archives and Records Administration retrieved 15 boxes of White House records from Mar-a-Lago in January 2022. NARA informed the Department of Justice that some of the retrieved documents were classified material.

FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago on August 8, 2022, recovering government documents, including 11 sets of classified materials. The search warrant indicates investigations into violations of the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice laws. Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith to oversee federal criminal investigations into Trump’s actions at Mar-a-Lago and the Capitol attack.

During his campaign for the 2024 presidential election, Trump made increasingly violent and authoritarian statements. He used harsher anti-immigrant rhetoric than during his presidency. His campaign was described as having an ‘heads I win; tails you cheated’ rhetorical strategy. On July 13, 2024, Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet in an assassination attempt.

The 2024 Republican National Convention nominated Trump and Senator JD Vance as their presidential candidate on July 18, 2024. Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States in November 2024, defeating incumbent vice president Kamala Harris. Time named Trump its Person of the Year in late 2024.

Conclusion

The journey of Donald J. Trump from a real estate mogul to the presidency and back again is a testament to his resilience and political savvy. His rise to power was marked by controversy, legal battles, and a relentless pursuit of his goals. As he takes office as the 47th president, the question remains: will history repeat itself or will this new chapter bring about change?