Who Actually is Donald J. Trump?

Before voting for a particular candidate, it's necessary to know who he actually is. So, let us try to know who Donald J Trump is, looking back to his past. 

Brief Overview:

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Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, is a prominent American businessman, television personality, and a political figure who served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 19, 2021.

Trump's rise to prominence began with his involvement in his family's real estate business, the Trump Organization, which he expanded into a global brand, synonymous with luxury and opulence. His extravagant personality and business expertise made him a famous personality, long before he entered politics. In the early 2000s, Trump further cemented his celebrity status through the reality TV show "The Apprentice," where his catchphrase "You're fired!" became iconic. This media presence enhanced his public profile and showcased his image as a decisive and successful entrepreneur. Leveraging his fame and brand recognition, Trump launched a presidential campaign in 2015, running as a Republican. His campaign was characterized by its unorthodox style, direct communication through social media, and promises to "Make America Great Again." Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election marked a significant shift in American Politics, reflecting widespread discontent with the political establishment. 

Purpose of this Discussion:

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The intent of this discussion is to explore the highly interesting and multifaceted life of Donald J. Trump, examining his early years, business endeavors, media presence, political career, and the enduring impact of his presidency. Through this exploration, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Trump’s influence on American society and the global stage, as well as the controversies and achievements that define his legacy. By analyzing these aspects, the discussion seeks to offer insights into who Donald Trump is, beyond the polarizing figure often depicted in media narratives.

 

Early Life and Business Career:

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Family Background and Upbringing

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Donald Trump's formative years were shaped by his father, Fred Trump's real estate empire, and the competitive atmosphere of his upbringing. Growing up in Jamaica Estates, a wealthy neighborhood in Queens, New York, Donald experienced a blend of privilege and discipline. His father's stern approach and strong work ethic left a lasting impression, instilling in Donald a relentless drive for success and a competitive edge that would define his future endeavors.

Education

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Donald Trump’s education began at the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, Queens, but due to behavioral issues, he was transferred to the New York Military Academy (NYMA) at the age of 13. The NYMA offered a structured and disciplined environment where Trump thrived, developing leadership skills and a sense of discipline. He graduated from NYMA in 1964 and went on to attend Fordham University for two years, before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Trump graduated from Wharton in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. Wharton's rigorous business curriculum and prestigious reputation equipped him with the financial expertise and strategic thinking, necessary for his future career in real estate.

Business Schemes and Successes

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After completing his education, Trump joined E.Trump & Sons,, his father’s real estate company. He renamed and rebranded it as "The Trump Organization" in 1970. He quickly moved beyond the outer boroughs of New York City where his father had primarily operated, to Manhattan, driven by a vision to build iconic properties. One of his first major projects was the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into The Grand Hyatt, a venture that marked his entry into the world of 'high-stakes' Real Estate.

Trump's most notable real estate achievement is arguably "The Trump Tower", a 58-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, completed in 1983. Trump Tower became a symbol of his ambition and flamboyant style, featuring luxury apartments, office space, and high-end retail stores. Its success boosted Trump’s reputation as a major player in the real estate market.

In addition to Trump Tower, Trump expanded his empire to include numerous other properties, including Trump Plaza, Trump World Tower, and the Trump International Hotel and Tower. His ventures extended beyond real estate into the casino industry, with the acquisition and development of the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, and later, the Trump Taj Mahal. These casinos were grandiose and expensive projects, the ones which were contributing significantly to his brand’s expansion.

However, Trump's business career was not without failures. The casino ventures faced financial difficulties, leading to multiple bankruptcies. Despite these setbacks, Trump managed to maintain his public image as a successful and resilient businessman.

Public Persona and Media Presence

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Donald Trump's media strategy played a crucial role in cultivating his larger-than-life public image. He leveraged his real estate success to become a prominent figure in the New York social scene and national media. His foray into the World of Television significantly amplified his fame. In 2004, Trump became the host of the reality TV show "The Apprentice," where contestants competed for a management job within the Trump Organization. The show was a massive hit, showcasing Trump’s authoritative persona and his catchphrase, "You're fired!" It ran for 14 seasons and firmly established Trump as a household name.

Trump’s media presence extended beyond "The Apprentice." He was a frequent guest on talk shows, a subject of numerous interviews, and a commentator on business and political issues. His ability to generate media attention through bold statements and controversial opinions kept him in the public eye and solidified his brand.

Trump's use of social media, particularly Twitter, became a hallmark of his communication strategy. He used the platform to share his opinions, announce decisions, and engage directly with the public and his critics. This direct approach to communication was unconventional for a business enthusiast and later, for a politician, but it allowed him to maintain a strong connection with his audience.

Political Career Before the Presidency:

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Early Political Affiliations and Views

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Donald Trump's early political affiliations and views were notably fluid, reflecting his sensible approach to business and personal branding, rather than strict adherence to a particular ideology. Some may call him as a President who has had no ideals in his life, due to his changing ideologies over time, but that's what he has been. He has proven in his life that for being successful what you need more is self-discipline and control rather than fixation to a set of ideals or a particular school of thought. 

Initially, Trump identified himself as a Republican, but over the years, he shifted his allegiance several times. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he leaned towards the Democratic Party, reflecting the political landscape of New York City and his business interests at the time. 

Throughout the 1980s, Trump made various statements on political issues, often emphasizing his belief in strong leadership and business-like efficiency in government. He expressed admiration for President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, but also donated to Democratic politicians such as Bill and Hillary Clinton!! This cross-party approach was likely influenced by his need to maintain good relations with political figures from both the main parties of the country, given his extensive real estate interests. 

Key Public Statements and Actions

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Trump's political ambitions began to surface more prominently in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1987, he took out full-page ads in major newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, criticizing U.S. foreign policy and advocating for a more assertive stance. These ads, titled "There's nothing wrong with America's Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone can't cure," highlighted his nationalist views and dissatisfaction with the political status quo.

In 1999, Trump explored a presidential run with the Reform Party,p reflecting his dissatisfaction with both the major parties! Although he ultimately decided not to run, his brief campaign highlighted issues such as campaign finance reform, universal healthcare, and a more protectionist trade policy. This period marked the beginning of his public engagement with national politics.

Trump's political donations also reflect his strategic approach. He contributed to politicians from both the parties, often supporting candidates who held influence in regions, where he had business interests. His donations to Democratic politicians in the 1990s and early 2000s included contributions to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alongside continued donations to Republicans.

In the early 2000s, Trump shifted back towards the Republican Party, aligning more closely with its conservative base. His involvement in political discourse increased, with frequent appearances on news programs, where he offered opinions on various issues, including economic policies of the then administration in the White House and national security.

A significant public statement came in 2011 when Trump became a leading voice in the "birther" movement, which questioned President Barack Obama's birthplace and legitimacy as the President. This controversial stance garnered significant media attention and resonated with a segment of the Republican base, further increasing his visibility and influence within the party.

 

The 2016 Presidential Campaign

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The Decision to Run for President

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Most of those who knew Trump right from the beginning of his career as a Real Estate businessman would say that Donald Trump’s decision to run for President in 2016 was influenced by a combination of personal ambition, dissatisfaction with the political establishment, and a keen sense of timing. But an average Republican would describe the same event of him running for the Presidency as "He is a patriot undoubtedly, right from his birth. He was highly dissatisfied with the way in which the Obama Administration functioned especially during its 2nd term, between 2013 and 2017. He just couldn't withstand the downslide America was facing on all fronts like in international affairs as well as internally too. Obama and the Clintons were literally tearing the country apart. So he decided to take up the whole matter into his own hands. He knew that he was taking up the risk of a future animosity with the entire Democratic party. Yet, for the sake of this country, he decided to take that huge risk and run for presidency. Actually the whole country should thank him for that!!" Did you see how he can influence your thoughts? Did you see how he can make you think in the manner in which HE wants you to think rather than your own manner?? That's the genius of this man called Donald Trump!!!

He had flirted with the idea of running for President several times before, notably in 2000 with the Reform Party and again in 2012 as a Republican. However, the political landscape in 2015, characterized by widespread frustration with both Democratic and Republican leadership, provided a unique opportunity to him. Key factors in his decision included a belief that his business expertise could translate into effective governance and a desire to bring a non-politician's perspective to Washington DC. His public questioning of President Barack Obama’s birthplace had already garnered significant attention and support from the conservative voters, signaling a potential base for his candidacy.

Campaign Strategy and Rhetoric

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Trump’s campaign strategy was highly unconventional, breaking many traditional norms of presidential campaigns. The Dems (Democratic party members and those favoring the Democratic party) criticized him a lot for this, whilst the Republicans loved every moment of it! Through a rather easy-going, unconventional approach, he relied heavily on his personal brand and media savvy personality, using his celebrity status to dominate the news cycles and all the social media. One of his most effective tools was Twitter, now known as X, where he communicated directly with the public, bypassing traditional media filters. His tweets were often provocative and controversial, generating significant media coverage and keeping him in the spotlight as a consequence. That's all what he wanted. He would also answer back to those who engaged with his tweets, especially those whom he felt were liking him a lot and also those who were asking inquisitive questions whose answers would reveal his policies and strategies as the next President of the United States. 

The slogan "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) became the centerpiece of his campaign, encapsulating his message of returning the country to a perceived former glory. His rhetoric was populist, often focusing on themes of economic nationalism, anti-establishment sentiment, and a strong stance on immigration. Trump’s speeches and rallies were characterized by their direct and sometimes inflammatory language, which resonated with many voters who felt neglected by traditional politicians.

Major Campaign Promises

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Trump's campaign was built around several key promises that appealed to his base:

1. Building a Wall on the Southern Border: One of his most famous and controversial promises was to construct a wall along the U.S.- Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration. He pledged that Mexico would pay for the wall, which became a major talking point at his rallies. While making this pledge, he also clarified that he was not against Mexico as a neighbouring country. His problems were with the illegal influx of all kinds of bad guys from that country, that included drug-dealers, men linked to drug mafias as well as terrorists, rapists, murderers -- these all from Mexican jails. He also said that a large number of insane people had entered the United States, through its southern borders, adjoining Mexico. He did not accuse the Mexican government of doing all these. Instead he blamed the Democratic government of President Barack Obama, of failing to handle this border situation. This aggressive stance of Trump was instrumental in his winning him votes, not only in the border states like Texas & Arizona but throughout the whole country. Americans, especially Republican party supporters could feel the rise of patriotism and nationalism in all these. 

(2) Repealing and Replacing Obamacare:

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Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "ObamaCare" as a failed system and promised to repeal and replace it with a more effective healthcare solution. This promise appealed to the conservatives and those dissatisfied with the ACA's implementation. 

3. Renegotiating Trade Deals: 

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Trump argued that existing trade agreements, such as NAFTA, were detrimental to American workers. He promised to renegotiate these deals to better protect American jobs and industries, advocating for a more protectionist trade policy.

4. Draining the Swamp:

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Trump frequently spoke about reducing corruption in Washington, D.C., and diminishing the influence of the lobbyists and special interest groups. This anti-establishment message was central to his appeal.

Having said that, a large majority of his Republican party voters strongly are still of the opinion that Trump lost the 2020 President Elections against Joe Biden only because of his endeavours of diminishing the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups, from top to bottom in the bureaucracy in Washington DC. They believe that all of them came together and stole the election away from Trump, in a typical manner characteristic of a dirty politician, through corrupt, unfair and immoral means and methods. 

Election Results

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The 2016 election results were historic and surprising to many political analysts. Trump secured the Republican party nomination after a contentious primary season, defeating well-established candidates with political backgrounds like Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz. In the General Election, he faced the Democratic Nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was also the First Lady in the White House between 1993 and 2001, during the presidency of her husband Bill Clinton.

Trump defeated Hillary!!!

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Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton on November 8, 2016, was achieved by winning key battleground states such as Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states, traditionally considered Democratic or swing states, were crucial in securing his Electoral Victory. Trump won the Electoral College with 304 votes to Clinton's 227, despite losing the popular vote by approximately 2.9 million votes! His win was attributed to his strong performance in the Rust Belt and his ability to mobilize a significant portion of the white working-class electorate. 

By becoming the President of the United States of America, Donald J Trump thus has reached the pinnacle of his career. He started off as a businessman and then went into politics, being successful in both. After reaching the climax of a career, two things happen to a person: Either he is able to retain the same Topic spot for the rest of his life Or his career and social status come tumbling down. With Trump, the second thing happened! But before that let's look into what happened during his presidency. 

The Trump Presidency

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Key Domestic Policies

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Tax Reforms: One of the most significant domestic policies during Donald Trump's presidency was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The TCJA aimed to stimulate the economic growth by reducing the Corporate Tax rate from 35% to 21%, simplifying the Individual Tax code, and providing Temporary Tax Cuts for individuals. The act also sought to encourage repatriation of Overseas Profits by offering a one-time lower tax rate. While proponents argued that the TCJA spurred the economic growth, increased business investments, and provided tax relief to middle-class families, critics contended that it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and corporations, contributing to a larger federal deficit. 

Healthcare: 

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Trump’s administration made several attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although the efforts ultimately failed to repeal the ACA entirely, they led to significant changes. For instance, the individual mandate, which required people to have a health insurance or pay a penalty, was effectively nullified in 2019. These efforts generated intense debate and highlighted deep divisions within Congress and among the American public regarding Healthcare Reforms. 

Immigration: 

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Immigration was a central issue of Trump’s presidency. Key policies included the implementation of a Travel Ban, which restricted entry to the U.S. from several predominantly Muslim countries, citing national security concerns. This policy faced numerous legal challenges but was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Another controversial policy was the separation of families at the U.S.- Mexico border as part of a "zero tolerance" approach to illegal immigration. Many parents were forced to  separate from their own small children. The administration faced widespread criticism for the humanitarian impact of this policy, leading to its eventual rollback. 

Additionally, Trump made significant efforts to build a Border Wall along the Southern border. Although the construction did not achieve the full extent of his initial promises by the end of his term in 2021, he did manage to build a 542 kilometre long wall between the US and Mexico, by then! This was not a small achievement by any standards. He did manage to reduce the influx of illegal immigrants at the Southern borders almost to zero levels!! However after him President Biden changed his Border policy, which eventually has turned out to be a total disaster. 

Key Foreign Policies

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Relations with Allies and Adversaries:

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Trump’s foreign policy approach was marked by a blend of unconventional diplomacy and a focus on "America First" principles. He frequently criticized NATO allies for not meeting Defense Spending Commitments, which strained traditional alliances with NATO partners of America like Germany. Trump argued that Germany was not paying its "fair share", long due to the US, when it came to defense spending commitment as a NATO nation. Upon research, Americans found out that here Trump was correct! His popularity figures rose in 2018, due to this, as he was seen as a courageous leader who could speak the Truth. 

Relations with Russia were notably complex, with Trump often expressing a desire "for better relations" with Russia, while his administration imposed sanctions in response to Russian actions!! Americans were able to understand what he meant by the phrase "better relations with Russia" only after quite a few months of his presidency had already passed. What he actually meant by that was a better relationship with the leader of Russia, President Vladimir Putin!! Yes, he was the first President after World War 2 to maintain a very good rapport with a Russian topmost leader!! Not even Ronald Reagan was able to do that!! Trump took special care and effort not to say a single bad thing about Putin in public (unlike Joe Biden, his successor who called Putin "a monster" in the early days of his presidency in 2021.) This led to a rather cordial and a friendly relationship between himself and Putin because of which the latter did not invade over Ukraine during the entire Trump Presidency years. But as soon as Trump left the White House and Biden arrived, Putin did start thinking of invading Ukraine, and thus openly challenging the very might of America.

Trump's interactions with China were characterized by economic tensions, particularly during the Trade War where both nations imposed Tariffs on each other’s goods. Trump started these impositions and the Chinese President Xi reciprocated with equal intensity. The result was a Trade War with China. Trump criticized China very heavily after the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in the 2020 in the United States in January of that year. He accused China of deliberately producing this deadly virus and then releasing it into the US through American ports and airports. Trump's criticism of China grew bitter by each passing day and he termed the Coronavirus as "the China virus". Many political pundits do believe in the narrative that it was Trump's failure to control the spread of this pandemic throughout the country and the eventual deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Americans, that led to his defeat against Biden in the 2020 Presidential Elections. Thus China has proven to be a nemesis for Trump. 

His approach to North Korea was also notable for its oscillation between intense rhetoric and diplomatic engagement, including the unprecedented meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Here too, Trump was able to befriend a leader whom most other leaders of the world avoided completely by calling him "the insane mad guy of Korea". Trump would arrange a meeting with Kim, be extremely courteous and friendly with him, thus satisfying the latter's ego and in the process creating a very good rapport with him too!!

Again in this case too, after the arrival of Biden as the President of the US, North Korea once again started showing animosity towards the US because Biden once said "If North Korean leader wants to meet me, he should first of all permanently stop all his ridiculous missile launching experiments. Then only can I think of meeting him!" Now if you put up such conditions for just an informal meeting with the Head of a nation, why would he even consider meeting you? So the US- North Korean relations have also strained now, after Trump's departure from the White House. 

Trade Policies: 

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Trade was a significant focus of Trump's presidency, reflecting his commitment to renegotiating trade agreements to benefit American workers. The administration renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA aimed to increase North American labor standards and the manufacturing of automotives, among other changes. Trump's trade war with China involved imposing Tariffs on billions of Dollars worth of Chinese goods, aiming to address the trade imbalances that existed between these two countries, and protect Intellectual Property. While some industries did benefit from these policies, the increased Tariffs also led to increased costs for American consumers and businesses. 

Military Actions and Decisions: 

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Trump’s military decisions included a mix of assertive actions and calls for reducing American involvement in prolonged conflicts. In 2020, Trump authorized a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which heightened the tensions with Iran and raised concerns about the potential escalation into a broader conflict between the two countries. But luckily, this was averted. 

In Syria, Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops, arguing that America should not be involved in "endless wars." This decision faced criticism from both domestic and international observers, who feared that it could destabilize the middle-east region and abandon Kurdish allies of the US. Nothing of the sort ever happened and in the end people realised that Trump was correct in his stance, so far as this matter was concerned!!

Major Controversies and Investigations

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Impeachments: 

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Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives, making him the first U.S. President ever, to face two impeachment trials! The first impeachment in 2019 centered on allegations that Trump abused his power by pressurising Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The Senate acquitted Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The second impeachment occurred in January 2021, following the Capitol riot on January 6, where Trump was charged with the action of incitement of insurrection. The Senate again acquitted him, though this time 7 Republican senators voted for conviction, the most bipartisan support for impeachment in U.S. history! 

The Russia Investigation: 

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The Russia investigation, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, scrutinized Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election and potential collusion of Russia with the Trump campaign for presidency. The investigation concluded that Russia did interfere in the election but did not establish sufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Russian operatives. However, the report did detail multiple instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump, leading to intense political debates between the two main parties and further investigations by the Congress. 

In summary, Donald J Trump, a businessman and a former reality TV star, became the 45th President of the United States. His Presidency, characterized by controversial policies and rhetoric, had a significant impact on American Politics. Post-presidency, he continues to be a powerful figure shaping the Republican Party and public discourse, through his ongoing political engagement and his media presence. As on today, as I write this, he has been found Guilty in the Hush Money trial case and faces punishment that can put him in jail in the times to come. His sentence of punishment will be pronounced on July 11th, 2024 at a court in Manhattan, NewYork. Despite all these he is leading heavily against Joe Biden in his fight to regain the Presidency in the forthcoming 2024 Presidential Elections. If he wins, he is capable enough to change the course of history of not just the United States, in his attempts to re-establish its glory and splendor. 

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