Donald Trump, a real-estate mogul and reality TV star, entered the political arena with a splash that no one quite saw coming. His rise to political prominence is a tale filled with unexpected twists, media spectacles, and unconventional strategies.
Early Political Engagement
Though Donald Trump flirted with politics for decades, his serious foray began in 2015. Prior to this, he had dabbled in various political affiliations, including expressing interest in running for president as a Reform Party candidate in 2000. According to The New York Times, Trump even toyed with the idea of running as a Democrat and an Independent over the years.
The Announcement
On June 16, 2015, Trump descended a golden escalator in Trump Tower to announce his candidacy for the presidency. The event was theatrical, much like his reality TV show, The Apprentice. In his speech, he famously claimed, "I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have Mexico pay for that wall."
The Campaign Trail
Trump's campaign was characterized by its unorthodox style. He eschewed traditional political norms, relying heavily on social media platforms like Twitter. His tweets often made headlines, either for their controversial nature or their sheer audacity. Trump also dominated the news cycle, earning an estimated $5 billion in free media coverage during the primaries, according to MediaQuant.
Republican Primaries
Trump faced 16 opponents in the Republican primaries, a crowded field that included seasoned politicians like Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. Despite this, he emerged victorious, winning 44.9% of the popular vote and securing 1,441 delegates. His rallies were marked by fervent crowds and a populist message that resonated with many Americans.
The General Election
In the general election, Trump faced Hillary Clinton. The campaign was contentious, with both sides engaging in fierce debates and numerous scandals. Trump's phrase "Crooked Hillary" became a staple of his rallies. He also promised to "drain the swamp" in Washington, D.C., a phrase that became synonymous with his campaign.
The Upset
On November 8, 2016, Trump defied polls and pundits by winning the presidency. He secured 304 electoral votes to Clinton's 227, despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. His victory was seen as a seismic shift in American politics, challenging the status quo and signaling a populist wave.
The Presidency: Key Highlights
Trump's presidency was nothing short of eventful. One of his first acts was to sign an executive order attempting to ban travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries, a move that sparked widespread protests and legal battles.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In 2017, Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which slashed corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and provided temporary tax cuts for individuals. According to the Tax Policy Center, the bill disproportionately benefited the wealthy and corporations.
Trade Wars
Trump also initiated trade wars, most notably with China. He imposed tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods, arguing that it was necessary to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit. The tariffs led to retaliatory measures from China, affecting American farmers and manufacturers.
Impeachment
Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives. The first impeachment in 2019 was over allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election by asking Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. The second impeachment came in 2021, following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Both times, he was acquitted by the Senate.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment of Trump's presidency. His administration's response was widely criticized for downplaying the severity of the virus and promoting unproven treatments. According to Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. had the highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths globally during his tenure.
Post-Presidency and Legacy
After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to claim, without evidence, that the election was stolen. His influence remains significant within the Republican Party, as he has hinted at a potential run in 2024.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Trump is the only president to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or political experience.
- His book, The Art of the Deal, published in 1987, became a bestseller and is often cited as a key to understanding his business and political philosophy.
- Trump has made cameo appearances in several movies and TV shows, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Trump's rise in politics is a testament to the unpredictable nature of American democracy. Whether you view him as a disruptor or a demagogue, his impact on the political landscape is undeniable.