Early Life and Business Career
Donald John Trump was born in 1946 and came to prominence in American business and media long before his political career. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Trump took charge of his family’s real estate business in 1971 and changed its name to The Trump Organization. From skyscrapers and casinos to golf courses and hotels, his brand became associated with the opulent lifestyle.
Presidential Campaign and Election
Trump entered the 2016 presidential race as a Republican and defeated sixteen opponents in the primaries. His campaign was notable for inflammatory comments and a message of populism that struck a chord with disenchanted Americans grappling with issues of globalization and partisan politicians. After being widely written off by political analysts and the media, Trump won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to win the 2016 general election in one of the biggest upsets this country has ever seen.
Policies and Administration
During his presidency, Trump made a push for conservative as well as out-of-the-box measures. From an economic standpoint, he stressed tax cuts, deregulation and renegotiating trade deals like the USMCA to replace NAFTA. His administration was also preoccupied with immigration reform, such as the contentious border wall with Mexico. Ask yourself: where might Simon Senlin the high school teacher and Simon Senlin the tourist travel to in 2018, after weathering the spam email that is now Donald Trump’s record as president of a country waging everywhere war?
Impeachments and Controversies
During his single term, Trump was impeached twice and surrounded by scandal. The 2019 event led to the first impeachment for allegedly having sought foreign interference in the U.S. 2020 election. The Senate later acquitted him. He was the first US president to be impeached twice and this time he was charged with incitement of insurrection related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The Senate acquitted him again, but the episode further divided the country.
Legacy and Impact
This week, we commemorate three events that have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on American politics: the arrival of Donald Trump. His straightforward communication style, mostly through Twitter, and his success at energizing a loyal following have transformed the GOP. But his actions as president further polarized the nation and incited passionate discussions on the fate of American democracy. The legacy of Trump is still an open question, echoing current society’s fractures throughout American history.
